Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

[Fever]

If the University with the best record in the history of NCAA era women's hockey cannot be bothered to give respect to its hockey team then it is hard to imagine where and when women's hockey will ever get any respect.

Agree....

 

[Badger Booster]

Re: Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

Probably Minnesota.

When your AD is an ex-football coach, everything else but football to him is just an annoyance. Would the Labahn ever have got off the ground if the UW women's program was just a .500 program? I doubt BA would have built a new facility just to have the men practice in it.

I think the arena would have been built eventually if women's hockey was average, but the capacity would have probably been less and taken out additional amenities. For a practice facility, all you really need is decent locker rooms, video/training areas and a quality sheet of ice. The seating, video displays, bathrooms and concession areas are for actual games. I'm extremely interested to see how those areas stack up.

It's not like the UW hasn't done a lot for the program over the years. I remember the early years of watching them play out at the Coliseum in front of maybe 100 people. Starting October 19, it will be a radically different game environment than those days.

After all the progress they have made, the re-scheduling of the three games just seems like a step backwards.

 

[WHKY blogger]

Re: Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

I think the arena would have been built eventually if women's hockey was average, but the capacity would have probably been less and taken out additional amenities. For a practice facility, all you really need is decent locker rooms, video/training areas and a quality sheet of ice. The seating, video displays, bathrooms and concession areas are for actual games. I'm extremely interested to see how those areas stack up.

It's not like the UW hasn't done a lot for the program over the years. I remember the early years of watching them play out at the Coliseum in front of maybe 100 people. Starting October 19, it will be a radically different game environment than those days.

After all the progress they have made, the re-scheduling of the three games just seems like a step backwards.

While I hate to come across as a wet blanket I just have to say the fan areas don't stack up unfortunately.. If this venue would have been built as originally designed it could have been on par with others recently built in its size range at the National Collegiate and Division III levels. However after seeing the nearly complete facility last week I was deeply disappointed in what has turned out to be the finished product. While there are some nice touches including the athlete amenities, I cant help but feel that the spectator areas took a huge hit when the project was scaled back. The bleachers were uncomfortable and seem like the cheapest quality available, concession area and restrooms seem adequate for no more than 200-400 people. As for game environment I think the cozy space could get quite loud when full and the seamless glass is always a nice option, which is good. As for the rail behind the seating I was informed that these areas will be reserved for wheelchairs only and fans standing in this area will not be permitted during play . Also it was noted that photographers in the seats will be relegated to the filming balcony or the floor on the north end of the ice. Overall, while the spectator areas may be lacking there are not many women's programs that have their own sauna, hot and cold spas for their women's hockey team in addition to a larger locker room than the men;s team. If I were a Hockey or Swimming student athlete at UW I would be really excited to have this facility after all of the shuffling done in the past. As a fan who was hoping for a mecca of sorts I feel like the UW AD missed the mark in a number of areas.

When I asked about the schedule changes, I was told that while its unfortunate, its nearly impossible to staff and operate both venues simultaneously during a "Large" Kohl Center event, regardless of what the event is. Basically, they are saying when you add the Kohl-Labahn events, Parking for all the spectators, and any other campus or community downtown events together something has to give and they have chosen to move the event that effects the "least amount of people". Until the women's hockey team can draw enough support (ie:fill the kohl center) that they get the same consideration with scheduling this is the way it will be..

 

[Badger Booster]

Re: Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

While I hate to come across as a wet blanket I just have to say the fan areas don't stack up unfortunately.. If this venue would have been built as originally designed it could have been on par with others recently built in its size range at the National Collegiate and Division III levels. However after seeing the nearly complete facility last week I was deeply disappointed in what has turned out to be the finished product. While there are some nice touches including the athlete amenities, I cant help but feel that the spectator areas took a huge hit when the project was scaled back. The bleachers were uncomfortable and seem like the cheapest quality available, concession area and restrooms seem adequate for no more than 200-400 people. As for game environment I think the cozy space could get quite loud when full and the seamless glass is always a nice option, which is good. As for the rail behind the seating I was informed that these areas will be reserved for wheelchairs only and fans standing in this area will not be permitted during play . Also it was noted that photographers in the seats will be relegated to the filming balcony or the floor on the north end of the ice. Overall, while the spectator areas may be lacking there are not many women's programs that have their own sauna, hot and cold spas for their women's hockey team in addition to a larger locker room than the men;s team. If I were a Hockey or Swimming student athlete at UW I would be really excited to have this facility after all of the shuffling done in the past. As a fan who was hoping for a mecca of sorts I feel like the UW AD missed the mark in a number of areas.

When I asked about the schedule changes, I was told that while its unfortunate, its nearly impossible to staff and operate both venues simultaneously during a "Large" Kohl Center event, regardless of what the event is. Basically, they are saying when you add the Kohl-Labahn events, Parking for all the spectators, and any other campus or community downtown events together something has to give and they have chosen to move the event that effects the "least amount of people". Until the women's hockey team can draw enough support (ie:fill the kohl center) that they get the same consideration with scheduling this is the way it will be..

Nothing that you stated really surprises me. I knew when they cut the budget, it was no longer going to be the Taj Mahal of women's hockey arenas. With that said, I'm glad that the player amenities are still there which makes it a great recruiting tool. Ideally, some of these issues (seating, concessions, etc) can be improved/enhanced over time with the right fund-raising.

I still don't buy that they can't handle a game at both Kohl and LaBahn. I don't feel like doing the research, but has Minnesota never had games at either Ridder, Mariucci and/or Williams Arena at the same time?

 

[CrazyDave]

Re: Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

I still don't buy that they can't handle a game at both Kohl and LaBahn. I don't feel like doing the research, but has Minnesota never had games at either Ridder, Mariucci and/or Williams Arena at the same time?

Last year almost every Friday night the Gopher women's hockey team was at home, so was the men's team. The start times were slightly staggered -- 6 p.m. for the women, 7 p.m. for the men -- but there was definitely overlap. On Saturdays, when the men's b-ball team was also home, they played in the early afternoon (noon or 1 p.m.), the women's hockey team played at 4 p.m., and men's hockey game was at 7 p.m.

 

[Badger Booster]

Re: Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

It's worse than I thought. On November 4, women's hockey got bumped to 11:00 am. Men's basketball is not playing, rather an exhibition women's basketball game against Concordia with an unannounced tip-off time. How can they get re-scheduled for that? They'll probably outdraw the basketball team. Give me a break!

 

[ARM]

Re: Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

If Wisconsin fans are unhappy with the times the women's hockey games are scheduled, I'd encourage you to complain to the athletic department. Obviously, they would never consider playing a football, men's basketball, or men's hockey game at 2 on a Friday afternoon, because the phones would ring off the hook. The Badgers fans have supported the program well. They deserve some consideration. If they are docile and accept whatever crumbs are thrown their way, they will never receive better.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

It's worse than I thought. On November 4, women's hockey got bumped to 11:00 am. Men's basketball is not playing, rather an exhibition women's basketball game against Concordia with an unannounced tip-off time. How can they get re-scheduled for that? They'll probably outdraw the basketball team. Give me a break!

So they must be expecting a big crowd for the EXHIBITION game eh? Obviously FB and BB come first and second, and will continue to as long as BA is in charge. I think Pat Ritcher would have handled this very differently.

 

[Badger Booster]

Re: Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

So they must be expecting a big crowd for the EXHIBITION game eh? Obviously FB and BB come first and second, and will continue to as long as BA is in charge. I think Pat Ritcher would have handled this very differently.

I'll stop griping about it for now, but it is a good idea to let administration know that it's very disappointing. I see the first USCHO poll is out and the Badgers are #2 right behind Minnesota.

 

[Badger Booster]

Re: Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

Good interview with Coach Johnson this afternoon on local sports radio show. With regards to the new players, he mentioned Erika Sowchuk and Kim Drake as players who could fill the offensive void left by graduation. However, he said that Courtney Burke (defense) will be the player that people will notice the most. Sounds like she is the real deal.

 

[rangersrule]

Re: Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

Didn't hear Coach Johnson's interview today, but I did have the opportunity to see both Kim Drake and Courtney Burke play the last couple of seasons at SSM. Drake will certainly fill a role with the Badgers as she was a pretty dependable scorer at the Prep level. I also agree that Burke will definitely
stand out this year. She is very sound defensively and is a natural offensively with the puck. She should be fun to watch! Both players also come from a great program (SSM) that produces winning, successful hockey players.

 

[Blackbeard]

Re: Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

Just curious...how many Frozen Four Championship Games has UW been in and lost? Obviously, six months ago to UM and in 2008 to UMD, but how many more, if any? Or, alternatively, how many have they played in?...which will also answer the question since we know that they've won four.

 

[D2D]

Just curious...how many Frozen Four Championship Games has UW been in and lost? Obviously, six months ago to UM and in 2008 to UMD, but how many more, if any? Or, alternatively, how many have they played in?...which will also answer the question since we know that they've won four.

Just those two that you mention. Here is a link that will show the Champions and Runner-Ups:

www.ncaa.com/history/icehockey-women/nc

 

[Badger Booster]

Re: Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

Just those two that you mention. Here is a link that will show the Champions and Runner-Ups:

www.ncaa.com/history/icehockey-women/nc

The link will show this, but Wisconsin has been in the last 6 of 7 NCAA championship games and have gone 4-2 in those games with both losses happening in Duluth. If my math is correct, they are 19-2 in the NCAA tournament in that stretch and 19-3 all-time.

 

[ARM]

Re: Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

The link will show this, but Wisconsin has been in the last 6 of 7 NCAA championship games and have gone 4-2 in those games with both losses happening in Duluth. If my math is correct, they are 19-2 in the NCAA tournament in that stretch and 19-3 all-time.

Math isn't correct. UW has gone 3-0 in each of their 4 NCAA title seasons = 12 wins. In each of the runner-up seasons, the Badgers were 2-1 = 4-2. That makes them 16-2 or 16-3 overall in the NCAA tournament.

 

[Badger Booster]

Re: Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

Math isn't correct. UW has gone 3-0 in each of their 4 NCAA title seasons = 12 wins. In each of the runner-up seasons, the Badgers were 2-1 = 4-2. That makes them 16-2 or 16-3 overall in the NCAA tournament.

Stupid basic addition. Wrote down the records..and promptly added them up wrong. Hoping for 19-3 overall......

 

[WHKY blogger]

Re: Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

First Ice - Installation Pictures..

 

[Badger Booster]

Re: Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

With the team's Twitter account saying they are on the road heading towards Mankato, I guess the season is upon us.

Per Andy Baggott's article today, Stefanie McKeough is out indefinitely while still recovering from a concussion late last season. For someone on the outside looking in, that was a surprise. I hope she will be able to make it back at some point this season. Still think the defense is a strong point of the team, but she is the best of them.

 

[ARM]

Re: Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

Per Andy Baggott's article today, Stefanie McKeough is out indefinitely while still recovering from a concussion late last season.

That is worrisome. Two players for Minnesota entered last season with pre-existing concussions and neither regained her health. This continues to be the biggest problem in our game.

 

[ManBehindTheCurtain]

Re: Wisconsin Badgers 2012-2013 - The LaBahn Era Begins

Very worrisome indeed. I recall McKeough missing NCAA first round, then dressing for the Frozen Four, and even scoring a goal in the national championship game.

Best wishes for a complete recovery.