Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

Hurt single game sales for...a single game. If people are that would up about one Monday game then they probably have more serious issues.

I actually LIKE the idea of a Monday game or two and wish others across the country would follow suit. The worst thing for me about college hockey is not being able to see other games because ALL of the games (for the most part) are played on the same two nights, which overlap with the Badgers.

I would LOVE a Maine v. New Hampshire game on NESN on a Tuesday night. Not gonna happen, but I can dream...

 

[Almington]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

Hurt single game sales for...a single game. If people are that would up about one Monday game then they probably have more serious issues.

It starts with a single Monday home game, then a single Wedensday home game, and the next thing you know someone is playing on every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday (cause hockey can't interfere with Saturday basketball).

This isn't going to stop with one Monday game for each team, anyone with half a brain knows that.

 

[solovsfett]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

It starts with a single Monday home game, then a single Wedensday home game, and the next thing you know someone is playing on every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday (cause hockey can't interfere with Saturday basketball).

This isn't going to stop with one Monday game for each team, anyone with half a brain knows that.

I agree w/you almington and this is really an unfortunate turn of events. first the conference then this dumb idea. no monday game (pre-January at least) is going to come close to selling out, I mean you're competing against the NFL? how dumb are these guys?

wednesday *might* work if it does for basketball, but of course, hockey will have to cede EVERYTHING about their schedule to basketball, ugh.

to the point about money, UW hockey makes MORE than enough money as is w/no changes in conference or game dates. Alvarez and his ilk need to learn that what sucks about football and turned me off and many many others is the whole $>integrity issue that these big-time AD's and college football coaches have.

next AD....Tony Granato, please for the effing love of god. Alvarez is making me despise UW football and I don't want to

 

[Almington]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

Alvarez is making me despise UW football and I don't want to

Alzarez is turning me off to UW athletics in general, silly me expecting organizations that I support to value integrity over money.

 

[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

I've looked over the last couple of pages, and haven't noticed a specific discussion about this article from Oates of the WSJ regarding the implications of the BTHC.

http://host.madison.com/sports/colu...cle_b2653ea6-9fb8-11e0-9a25-001cc4c002e0.html

Monday and Wednesday night hockey? Seriously? This is where I start to lose faith in the revenue enhancement for the programs. For UW, I could easily see season ticket sales reductions, and see attendance in the 6-7K range for midweek games. Why risk losing the base of your admittedly niche sport? I find it hard to believe that TV revenue could make that up.

It's stuff like this that makes me sad for the future of Wisconsin hockey. What next? Shootouts? Yeah, probably shootouts.

The article says each team was asked to play two Monday games. More than likely meaning one home and one road. Do you seriously think 1 home game on a Monday is going to risk losing the fan base? I highly doubt it and if it does you're a pretty awesome fan.

A lot of people complained about Monday night football too...that seemed to work out ok. Personally I think it will be pretty sweet to have a Monday night or Wednesday night Big 10 game on the BTN to look forward to all season. The more college hockey on television the better.

I bet people used to think that football on Thursday nights was a cute little novelty, and now its a home game that's practically taken away from the fans to appease the TV folks. (And wallets, I guess, if there's any truth to the Thursday primetime games actually earning more TV money)

It starts with a single Monday home game, then a single Wedensday home game, and the next thing you know someone is playing on every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday (cause hockey can't interfere with Saturday basketball).

This isn't going to stop with one Monday game for each team, anyone with half a brain knows that.

This isn't a slippery slope. It's a **** waterslide.

 

[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

Jake Dowell to the Stars, Piskula to the Flames.

http://www.nbc15.com/sports/headlines/Dowell_Signs_With_Stars_124881584.html

Good for them, and best of luck in their new surroundings.

 

[davearm]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

I agree w/you almington and this is really an unfortunate turn of events. first the conference then this dumb idea. no monday game (pre-January at least) is going to come close to selling out, I mean you're competing against the NFL? how dumb are these guys?

wednesday *might* work if it does for basketball, but of course, hockey will have to cede EVERYTHING about their schedule to basketball, ugh.

to the point about money, UW hockey makes MORE than enough money as is w/no changes in conference or game dates. Alvarez and his ilk need to learn that what sucks about football and turned me off and many many others is the whole $>integrity issue that these big-time AD's and college football coaches have.

next AD....Tony Granato, please for the effing love of god. Alvarez is making me despise UW football and I don't want to

The article mentions that the BT plans to structure the hockey conference schedule similar to basketball -- conference games start after the new year.

So thus a) they won't be competing with MNF, and b) after MNF ends, we get a great alternative to basketball on Monday nights: a quality college hockey matchup, sometimes involving the Badgers. Sounds pretty sweet, actually.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

The article mentions that the BT plans to structure the hockey conference schedule similar to basketball -- conference games start after the new year.

That is stupid too. Now instead of enjoying watching the race for the conference championship develop over the whole season, it gets condensed into half of it. Now all the Oct/Nov/Dec games are essentially just preseason games. That doesn't create a lot of juice for the first half of the season. The more details that emerge, the more it looks like a buch of yahoos who know nothing about hockey are running hockey. Are they going to use pucks in the games or some sort of ball?

I agree with solovfett, BA is making me despise football, and I want to just enjoy it.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

I agree with solovfett, BA is making me despise football, and I want to just enjoy it.

I think I missed something. So you guys are starting to dislike Badger football because of the changes that are happening to the hockey program, changes which you attribute mostly to Alvarez?

Alvarez has been out front and vocal about the B10HC, but it's awfully simplistic to think that he made it happen or even that he's the main reason that it happened.

There were a lot of moving parts, some with more power and influence than our beloved AD, who contributed to the current state of affairs.

What's next, avoiding restaurants that Barry frequents or avoiding the area that he lives (assuming of course that you can get past the gate )?

If you want to hate on football, do it because of the coke-snorting, late-night partying, wind-breaker wearing, redneck, dumb-*** CURRENT head coach.

Me? I separate all things as much as possible and am an 18 year season ticket holder for football and hope this new QB lives up to his potential.

 

[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

I think I missed something. So you guys are starting to dislike Badger football because of the changes that are happening to the hockey program, changes which you attribute mostly to Alvarez?

Alvarez has been out front and vocal about the B10HC, but it's awfully simplistic to think that he made it happen or even that he's the main reason that it happened.

There were a lot of moving parts, some with more power and influence than our beloved AD, who contributed to the current state of affairs.

True though that may be, Alvarez has been the most outspoken proponent of the BTHC, so all the derision towards him is sort of the side effect that comes from being so open about this being everything that he's been pushing for whenever he opens his mouth on the subject to Oates, Baggott or anyone else in the media.

Me? I separate all things as much as possible and am an 18 year season ticket holder for football and hope this new QB lives up to his potential.

... as long as we didn't pay him...

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

True though that may be, Alvarez has been the most outspoken proponent of the BTHC, so all the derision towards him is sort of the side effect that comes from being so open about this being everything that he's been pushing for whenever he opens his mouth on the subject to Oates, Baggott or anyone else in the media.

... as long as we didn't pay him...

True, that! I guess it's just a matter of time before every program gets busted for something or other. That's why it's a little hard to gloat over tOSU's current problems. I haven't forgotten the Shoe Box scandal. Still will NEVER shop there. See, I can be petty too. Plus they have all that Cardinal crap all over the place. Haven't forgotten 1982 either!

Back to Darth Alvarez...

My point is that the B10HC was going to happen whether Barry flapped his gums or not or even whether Barry is a complete tool or not.

Even if it didn't happen on the current timeline, it would have 5 or 10 years down the line.

We've been hearing rumblings about this for years now, even as far back as 2005, when Barry didn't even know we had a hockey team, so it's not like it was his idea.

The Badgers in the WCHA was basically a dead man walking and whether we got 5 more years of it or 10 more years of it, what ultimately is the difference?

I don't like it. It's not what I grew up with. It's not our tradition.

All things change though. We don't play at the Coliseum any more. Chicago Stadium is a parking lot. The North Stars are in Dallas. What are ya gonna do?

I *****ed for a bit and now I've moved on and I'm really getting tired of the complete obsession that USCHO has for this issue (not just our thread). I understand why it was topical, but it's now just rehashing to the point of madness.

 

[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

I can dig that, Gurt. In fact, the thing that upsets me the most is this:

What next? Shootouts? Yeah, probably shootouts.

*sigh*

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

I can dig that, Gurt. In fact, the thing that upsets me the most is this:



*sigh*

Yeah, that would be sucky. I still don't like them in the NHL and feel they pander to the lowest common denominator.

There's nothing wrong with a hard fought tie during the regular season. In fact, it can poetic.

 

[Almington]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

My point is that the B10HC was going to happen whether Barry flapped his gums or not or even whether Barry is a complete tool or not.

Even if it didn't happen on the current timeline, it would have 5 or 10 years down the line.

My problem isn't with the effect of the formation of the BTHC, it's the underlying reason for the conference's formation: pure, unabashed greed.

Add to that all of the other changes which are not being made in an effort to improve the game. I feel that I'm justified in being indignant if they are going to act so carelessly and negligently as to completely disregard the collateral damage because it will grow revenue by 10%. The ends never justify the means, if those means are less than honorable.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

My problem isn't with the effect of the formation of the BTHC, it's the underlying reason for the conference's formation: pure, unabashed greed.

Add to that all of the other changes which are not being made in an effort to improve the game. I feel that I'm justified in being indignant if they are going to act so carelessly and negligently as to completely disregard the collateral damage because it will grow revenue by 10%. The ends never justify the means, if those means are less than honorable.

Absolutely you are and I agree with most of what you're saying. I just see it from a slightly different angle and have chosen to move on. I know you're a big fan of the team and I'm pretty sure that you will stick with them too once the dust settles.

I live on the far west side of Madison in a home that 15 years ago wasn't here and where there was instead rolling farmland. About 17 years ago I used to drive out here and grip about how all of this (rural area) was going to disappear and turn into strip malls and subdivisions.

I worried about what was to be lost and railed against change. Then I had a moment of clarity and realized that it was inevitable and that I couldn't worry about it because I couldn't stop it. Or maybe I just gave up.

Death, taxes, urban sprawl and a B10HC.


BTW - absolutely LOVE my house and where I live!

 

[4four4]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

True, that! I guess it's just a matter of time before every program gets busted for something or other. That's why it's a little hard to gloat over tOSU's current problems. I haven't forgotten the Shoe Box scandal. Still will NEVER shop there. See, I can be petty too. Plus they have all that Cardinal crap all over the place. Haven't forgotten 1982 either!

Back to Darth Alvarez...

My point is that the B10HC was going to happen whether Barry flapped his gums or not or even whether Barry is a complete tool or not.

Even if it didn't happen on the current timeline, it would have 5 or 10 years down the line.

We've been hearing rumblings about this for years now, even as far back as 2005, when Barry didn't even know we had a hockey team, so it's not like it was his idea.

The Badgers in the WCHA was basically a dead man walking and whether we got 5 more years of it or 10 more years of it, what ultimately is the difference?

I don't like it. It's not what I grew up with. It's not our tradition.

All things change though. We don't play at the Coliseum any more. Chicago Stadium is a parking lot. The North Stars are in Dallas. What are ya gonna do?

I *****ed for a bit and now I've moved on and I'm really getting tired of the complete obsession that USCHO has for this issue (not just our thread). I understand why it was topical, but it's now just rehashing to the point of madness.

Instead of complaining and getting all angry I have come to accept it and move on. It is easier on my heart.

 

[solovsfett]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

I think I missed something. So you guys are starting to dislike Badger football because of the changes that are happening to the hockey program, changes which you attribute mostly to Alvarez?

Alvarez has been out front and vocal about the B10HC, but it's awfully simplistic to think that he made it happen or even that he's the main reason that it happened.

There were a lot of moving parts, some with more power and influence than our beloved AD, who contributed to the current state of affairs.

What's next, avoiding restaurants that Barry frequents or avoiding the area that he lives (assuming of course that you can get past the gate )?

If you want to hate on football, do it because of the coke-snorting, late-night partying, wind-breaker wearing, redneck, dumb-*** CURRENT head coach.

Me? I separate all things as much as possible and am an 18 year season ticket holder for football and hope this new QB lives up to his potential.

no, if you read my posts I allude however cryptically to the fact that I don't like Alvarez' love of $ over integrity. so add that to "I'm not a hockey guy" and his hesitation with the practice facility and ****ing off alumni, and his look the other way attitude toward the current football coach grabbing waitress asses, getting so drunk in lancaster, wi w/the radio color guy for Iowa football that they had to call people in madison to pick him up (yeah, said radio guy for Iowa was consequently fired), his presence and pressure behind the B10 hockey conference, and now this idiotic scheduling idea and you've got the gist of it.

get rid of alvarez and bb, and I'll care exponentially more about wisconsin football.

 

[Almington]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

Absolutely you are and I agree with most of what you're saying. I just see it from a slightly different angle and have chosen to move on. I know you're a big fan of the team and I'm pretty sure that you will stick with them too once the dust settles.

I will stick with the Badgers, no question; but the strength of my affection towards the athletic program is greatly reduced and will remain that way, at a minimum, for as long as Alvarez remains the AD. Once he leaves but not one day before, the healing may being.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

no, if you read my posts I allude however cryptically to the fact that I don't like Alvarez' love of $ over integrity. so add that to "I'm not a hockey guy" and his hesitation with the practice facility and ****ing off alumni, and his look the other way attitude toward the current football coach grabbing waitress asses, getting so drunk in lancaster, wi w/the radio color guy for Iowa football that they had to call people in madison to pick him up (yeah, said radio guy for Iowa was consequently fired), his presence and pressure behind the B10 hockey conference, and now this idiotic scheduling idea and you've got the gist of it.

get rid of alvarez and bb, and I'll care exponentially more about wisconsin football.

Fair enough, but BBs idiocy goes back much further.

I play hockey with buddies on Thursday nights and sometimes we'll hit a bar on the way home and since we start at 9 or later, it's late when we arrive at the bar.

During BB's season as D-coord, he was in Alt n' Bach's when we arrived there and stayed till closing on this particular Thursday night. Two days later, Northwestern put up 50+ on us. i was kind of thinking his time could have been better spent.

A real close friend of mine who frequents the Crystal Corner because he enjoys cola
has said that BB used to go there all the time because he also likes cola. This was supported by others who were also there although I do NOT like cola, so was never there to see it myself.

There are many other stories...

none of which will make me dislike the team or players as the team and the program are bigger than one coach or AD.

 

[solovsfett]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XVIII - Belief in a Better Tomorrow

Fair enough, but BBs idiocy goes back much further.

I play hockey with buddies on Thursday nights and sometimes we'll hit a bar on the way home and since we start at 9 or later, it's late when we arrive at the bar.

During BB's season as D-coord, he was in Alt n' Bach's when we arrived there and stayed till closing on this particular Thursday night. Two days later, Northwestern put up 50+ on us. i was kind of thinking his time could have been better spent.

A real close friend of mine who frequents the Crystal Corner because he enjoys cola
has said that BB used to go there all the time because he also likes cola. This was supported by others who were also there although I do NOT like cola, so was never there to see it myself.

There are many other stories...

none of which will make me dislike the team or players as the team and the program are bigger than one coach or AD.

fair points for sure. I mean I am being a bit petulant when it comes to souring on the football team because of all we've been discussing.

wow though. BB's behavior is worse than I thought...far worse it seems...eesh