USCHO Fan Forum
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
-
The USCHO Fan Forum has migrated to a new plaform, xenForo. Most of the function of the forum should work in familiar ways. Please note that you can switch between light and dark modes by clicking on the gear icon in the upper right of the main menu bar. We are hoping that this new platform will prove to be faster and more reliable. Please feel free to explore its features.
Union Hockey 2011 Off Season Thread-"Union, We've Paid Our Dues"
- Thread starter Wholin1
- Start date
Re: Union Hockey 2011 Off Season Thread-"Union, We've Paid Our Dues"
Looks like both Capital District teams are in the same boat, goaltending-wise...
http://www.dailygazette.com/weblogs/schott/2011/apr/15/goalie-kinkaid-leaving-union/
Looks like both Capital District teams are in the same boat, goaltending-wise...
http://www.dailygazette.com/weblogs/schott/2011/apr/15/goalie-kinkaid-leaving-union/
Re: Union Hockey 2011 Off Season Thread-"Union, We've Paid Our Dues"
Providence IS a bigger fish - they play in a better league and likely have more revenue at their disposal from D-1 bouncy ball. As ScoobyFan said, Union is D-III and there is a limit to what they are going to pay a coach. I agree that U needs to be as competitive as they can compensation-wise relative to ECAC, but U will never be comparable to big universities with big revenue from D-1 football and/or basketball.
Also, Leaman has to make decisions on what is best for him and his family. Potentially more money and moving back to the Boston area, a place he & his wife have lived before, could be pluses. It also seems apparent that Nate is not just looking for the first opportunity to get out of Schenectady - something that was definitely NOT the case with some coaches in the past. He has leverage and is looking at his options - can't fault him there.
But the biggest thing that makes me less worried in the long run is that the hockey program is in GREAT SHAPE. It has become much more than just one coach or a couple of players. There is an emerging history that students & fans can look back on with pride and anticipation of the next season. The team now has a "Union Way" of doing things that they have confidence will bring good results. I don't see the administration every going back to D-III.
I was also really struck on Senior Night listening to the seniors thank everyone how much more support the program has now - and, yes, much of it is from the administration. Coaches including assistants are at least reasonably compensated with long term contracts (there has not been much coaching turnover in the last 8 years) - there is financial aid available to foreign recruits - the recruiting budget (thanks to the Garnet Blades) allows travel to western Canada or any other locale that the coaches want to go to - there is a goalie coach, an academic adviser, a team psychologist, a dedicated weight room and now a dedicated strength coach. These are things that are givens at other programs, but mostly were not there for the coaches prior to Leaman. To Leaman's credit he has done a terrific job putting everything together, but he had tools that his predecessors did not. I really really hope he doesn't leave. But the best architects are the one's that build things that last a long time, and I believe the program can survive any hiccups that occur this off-season. My hope is that at least one of Leaman or Bennett will back next season to give the team continuity, but if that doesn't happen then another coach will have to be found and I think the tools will be there, along with a load of good players, to make things successful for years to come.
IMO this all the new uncharted territory that Union fans have never had to deal with before - coaches & players become hot commodities and others want them. In the short term this can be very painful (ask our friends across the river how it felt having two potential All-Americans leave for the pros), but its what good programs have to deal with and we may have to get used to it. I'm definitely not happy to see Kinkaid leave, but there is a very good goalie coming in next fall and I'm cautiously optimistic..
4 or 5 years ago I would have agreed with most of this - in fact I posted a similar diatribe after TJ Fox went pro and U was coming off a last place finish- but I really don't think this is a fair thing to say now.
Providence IS a bigger fish - they play in a better league and likely have more revenue at their disposal from D-1 bouncy ball. As ScoobyFan said, Union is D-III and there is a limit to what they are going to pay a coach. I agree that U needs to be as competitive as they can compensation-wise relative to ECAC, but U will never be comparable to big universities with big revenue from D-1 football and/or basketball.
Also, Leaman has to make decisions on what is best for him and his family. Potentially more money and moving back to the Boston area, a place he & his wife have lived before, could be pluses. It also seems apparent that Nate is not just looking for the first opportunity to get out of Schenectady - something that was definitely NOT the case with some coaches in the past. He has leverage and is looking at his options - can't fault him there.
But the biggest thing that makes me less worried in the long run is that the hockey program is in GREAT SHAPE. It has become much more than just one coach or a couple of players. There is an emerging history that students & fans can look back on with pride and anticipation of the next season. The team now has a "Union Way" of doing things that they have confidence will bring good results. I don't see the administration every going back to D-III.
I was also really struck on Senior Night listening to the seniors thank everyone how much more support the program has now - and, yes, much of it is from the administration. Coaches including assistants are at least reasonably compensated with long term contracts (there has not been much coaching turnover in the last 8 years) - there is financial aid available to foreign recruits - the recruiting budget (thanks to the Garnet Blades) allows travel to western Canada or any other locale that the coaches want to go to - there is a goalie coach, an academic adviser, a team psychologist, a dedicated weight room and now a dedicated strength coach. These are things that are givens at other programs, but mostly were not there for the coaches prior to Leaman. To Leaman's credit he has done a terrific job putting everything together, but he had tools that his predecessors did not. I really really hope he doesn't leave. But the best architects are the one's that build things that last a long time, and I believe the program can survive any hiccups that occur this off-season. My hope is that at least one of Leaman or Bennett will back next season to give the team continuity, but if that doesn't happen then another coach will have to be found and I think the tools will be there, along with a load of good players, to make things successful for years to come.
IMO this all the new uncharted territory that Union fans have never had to deal with before - coaches & players become hot commodities and others want them. In the short term this can be very painful (ask our friends across the river how it felt having two potential All-Americans leave for the pros), but its what good programs have to deal with and we may have to get used to it. I'm definitely not happy to see Kinkaid leave, but there is a very good goalie coming in next fall and I'm cautiously optimistic..
Re: Union Hockey 2011 Off Season Thread-"Union, We've Paid Our Dues"
A huge blow to lose Kinkaid, but it's not that surprising after the season he had. As of now, Grosenick and incoming recruit Julien Laplante are the only two goalies slated for next year's roster. Goaltender will be a big question mark entering next season until one of those two step up and prove capable. They have arguably the league's best goalie to replace -- hardly an easy task. Laplante seems to have impressive credentials, but who knows how that all translates. I don't know much about Grosenick's potential.
From a February story from the Bonnyville Nouvelle:
With strong goaltending already on Union’s roster, Laplante admits it was a tough decision to make.
“It was a bit of a gamble,” said Laplante. “They have a guy that will probably sign in the NHL next year. If he signs, then I have a legitimate opportunity to play a lot next year.”
Laplante is confident he could come in as a freshman and provide solid goaltending night in and night out.
He acknowledges there will be competition for a starting spot, whether or not the other goaltender signs in the NHL.
“There will be competition wherever you go,” he said. “It can be good for your game, but it can also be very bad if you don’t rise above it.”
Now we need to wonder if Leaman follows Kinkaid out the door.
A huge blow to lose Kinkaid, but it's not that surprising after the season he had. As of now, Grosenick and incoming recruit Julien Laplante are the only two goalies slated for next year's roster. Goaltender will be a big question mark entering next season until one of those two step up and prove capable. They have arguably the league's best goalie to replace -- hardly an easy task. Laplante seems to have impressive credentials, but who knows how that all translates. I don't know much about Grosenick's potential.
From a February story from the Bonnyville Nouvelle:
With strong goaltending already on Union’s roster, Laplante admits it was a tough decision to make.
“It was a bit of a gamble,” said Laplante. “They have a guy that will probably sign in the NHL next year. If he signs, then I have a legitimate opportunity to play a lot next year.”
Laplante is confident he could come in as a freshman and provide solid goaltending night in and night out.
He acknowledges there will be competition for a starting spot, whether or not the other goaltender signs in the NHL.
“There will be competition wherever you go,” he said. “It can be good for your game, but it can also be very bad if you don’t rise above it.”
Now we need to wonder if Leaman follows Kinkaid out the door.
Last edited:
Re: Union Hockey 2011 Off Season Thread-"Union, We've Paid Our Dues"
My thoughts are pretty jumbled right now with the not surprising departure of Kinkaid and the the speculation swirling around Nate Leaman's status. However, I take some comfort in ADK's analysis which I think is right on the mark. I'd rather be concerned over a program which has made great strides than the moribund teams that struggled so in the first decade and a half of its D-1 existence (and no slight is intended by that remark to the coaches and players who gave it their all during the lean years). I guess I'll reserve further comment for a day or two and in particular until after tomorrow's night's Garnet Blade's Banquet.
One other thing that is kind of bizarre, how many NHL teams "announce" signing over Facebook? Weird.
My thoughts are pretty jumbled right now with the not surprising departure of Kinkaid and the the speculation swirling around Nate Leaman's status. However, I take some comfort in ADK's analysis which I think is right on the mark. I'd rather be concerned over a program which has made great strides than the moribund teams that struggled so in the first decade and a half of its D-1 existence (and no slight is intended by that remark to the coaches and players who gave it their all during the lean years). I guess I'll reserve further comment for a day or two and in particular until after tomorrow's night's Garnet Blade's Banquet.
One other thing that is kind of bizarre, how many NHL teams "announce" signing over Facebook? Weird.
Re: Union Hockey 2011 Off Season Thread-"Union, We've Paid Our Dues"
It wasn't announced by the Devils on Facebook, it was apparently some of Keith's friends congratulating him and he said "thanks" - so it wasn't even Keith posting it officially on FB.
Re: Union Hockey 2011 Off Season Thread-"Union, We've Paid Our Dues"
It was my weak attempt by this NYR fan to tweak the NJ Devils.
UnionHockeyManiac
Union Hockey fan for life
Re: Union Hockey 2011 Off Season Thread-"Union, We've Paid Our Dues"
Re: Union Hockey 2011 Off Season Thread-"Union, We've Paid Our Dues"
Coach briefly alluded to KK's signing today and there was a nice round of applause. Enjoyable evening last night and some heartfelt appreciation by and for the departing seniors, a great group which will be missed.
Ralph Baer
Let's Go 'Tute!
Re: Union Hockey 2011 Off Season Thread-"Union, We've Paid Our Dues"
It's official http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2011-04-18-1875992050_x.htm
It's official http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2011-04-18-1875992050_x.htm
Re: Union Hockey 2011 Off Season Thread-"Union, We've Paid Our Dues"
Congratulations and good luck to Keith. It's not inconceivable that he and York could be facing each other's teams in Albany next season if York stays with Springfield and Kinkaid is assigned to the Albany Devils. Wouldn't that be something?
No real surprise, but still disappointing to Union fans.
Congratulations and good luck to Keith. It's not inconceivable that he and York could be facing each other's teams in Albany next season if York stays with Springfield and Kinkaid is assigned to the Albany Devils. Wouldn't that be something?Re: Union Hockey 2011 Off Season Thread-"Union, We've Paid Our Dues"
It will be interesting to see groups of RPI fans and Union fans cheering against each other at an AHL game rather than at the Field House or at Messa...
It will be interesting to see groups of RPI fans and Union fans cheering against each other at an AHL game rather than at the Field House or at Messa...
Re: Union Hockey 2011 Off Season Thread-"Union, We've Paid Our Dues"
Kinkaid's departure, while a disappointment, highlights the success Nate Leaman has enjoyed at Union. The top DI programs are all dealing with this phenomenon of attracting top talent only to see some of that talent leaving after a year or two. It has to make the management of a top shelf team that much more difficult. RPI certainly survived what was originally thought to be two devastating departures. Union has a highly rated goalie on his way, who may very well establish himself as quickly as Kinkaid did. The Dutchmen have arrived...and with all the vissitudes of a premier program.
Kinkaid's departure, while a disappointment, highlights the success Nate Leaman has enjoyed at Union. The top DI programs are all dealing with this phenomenon of attracting top talent only to see some of that talent leaving after a year or two. It has to make the management of a top shelf team that much more difficult. RPI certainly survived what was originally thought to be two devastating departures. Union has a highly rated goalie on his way, who may very well establish himself as quickly as Kinkaid did. The Dutchmen have arrived...and with all the vissitudes of a premier program.
A Shot and a Goal
Hupamone
Re: Union Hockey 2011 Off Season Thread-"Union, We've Paid Our Dues"
Just stopping by to leave a link to a story about the Providence College job. The story associated with the link I'm providing says Nate Leaman is a finalist for the PC job and has interviewed for it.
http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2011/04/13_providence_interviews_3_for.php
Just stopping by to leave a link to a story about the Providence College job. The story associated with the link I'm providing says Nate Leaman is a finalist for the PC job and has interviewed for it.
http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2011/04/13_providence_interviews_3_for.php
Last edited:
Re: Union Hockey 2011 Off Season Thread-"Union, We've Paid Our Dues"
Seems like it shouldnt be hard to confirm if he was in fact on the campus. Unless there is a guy who looks just like him walking around. That said, it could also be a smoke screen to gain negotiating leverage with other candidates.
But the fact is if Union does not make a philosophical commitment to running a top notch, competitive D-1 program he will leave - either for Providence or somewhere else.
Btw, why would he leave to join Providence when he could take the Penn State job (assume) instead? I would think Penn State would be 10x more attractive, no?
Seems like it shouldnt be hard to confirm if he was in fact on the campus. Unless there is a guy who looks just like him walking around. That said, it could also be a smoke screen to gain negotiating leverage with other candidates.
But the fact is if Union does not make a philosophical commitment to running a top notch, competitive D-1 program he will leave - either for Providence or somewhere else.
Btw, why would he leave to join Providence when he could take the Penn State job (assume) instead? I would think Penn State would be 10x more attractive, no?
Re: Union Hockey 2011 Off Season Thread-"Union, We've Paid Our Dues"
I don't think anyone will be "taking" the PSU job. It certainly IS more attractive than the Providence job, and it will therefore attract a range of top-flight candidates, none of which will probably be an absolute slam-dunk.
Re: Union Hockey 2011 Off Season Thread-"Union, We've Paid Our Dues"
The Providence Journal is reporting that Nate Leaman is the leading candidate for the PC job. http://sportsblog.projo.com/
The Providence Journal is reporting that Nate Leaman is the leading candidate for the PC job. http://sportsblog.projo.com/