Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

Feel free to keep your stalking skills sharp. I think I speak for everyone here by saying we'll take as much of this as we can get.

Unfortunately, that's probably the only report you'll get from me as even though I'm in and out of rinks around here all summer and have been for the past 18 years, that's only about the third time I've ever been there when the team was.

In addition, I couldn't really tell who any of them were as they didn't even have numbers on. Just red or white (pretty sweet looking) practice jerseys with a motion W on the front.

Maybe I can take a roll of masking tape and a sharpie and put their names on their helmets. It'd be funny to call them all over to the bench and try and explain that one to them.


One final note: They looked GIGANTIC on that smallish ice surface. That's my son's organization's home ice and I'm used to seeing pee wees and bantams out there.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

Maturi will be quoted as saying that it's not in the best interest of college hockey in general. He will give this quote while standing in line at the bank with a check from the event.

You were wrong about Barry's original position on Big Ten hockey...and a later accusation that Maturi's disapproval was strickly for show. Are you sure that you want to go to the well yet again?

 

[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

Was I really wrong about the latter? Maybe he has a personal opinion about the BTHC as a fan, but given his total lack of influence on the decision and the fact that Minnesota gains truckloads of money from their B1G affiliation that they wouldn't get otherwise...

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

Was I really wrong about the latter? Maybe he has a personal opinion about the BTHC as a fan, but given his total lack of influence on the decision and the fact that Minnesota gains truckloads of money from their B1G affiliation that they wouldn't get otherwise...

Before Penn State and Big Ten formation? Maturi/Minnesota had all the influence. They shut down Barry's attempt to investigate realignment.
After Penn State and Big Ten formation? There was no resistance or hesitation from Maturi or at Minnesota.

So the only time there was any resistance on Maturi's part...it was real and stopped realignment.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

You were wrong about Barry's original position on Big Ten hockey...and a later accusation that Maturi's disapproval was strickly for show. Are you sure that you want to go to the well yet again?

Pretty sure it was a joke/jab...

This whole forum is about going to the well. Over and over and over and over...

See - paint thinner


Lighten up.

 

[Gandalf the Red]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

Before Penn State and Big Ten formation? Maturi/Minnesota had all the influence. They shut down Barry's attempt to investigate realignment.
After Penn State and Big Ten formation? There was no resistance or hesitation from Maturi or at Minnesota.

So the only time there was any resistance on Maturi's part...it was real and stopped realignment.

I'm not sure I understand your argument. So Maturi was against it when it wasn't going to happen anyway, but then put up no resistance when there was nothing he could do about?

When there were only five teams, the big 10 schools would have been stupid to create a big 10 conference since they would not have received an auto-bid. Or was Notre Dame going to make the leap back then? Maybe Barry was pushing it for his own reasons, but that just didn't make sense. More fantasy of happening then reality of happening. Once PSU was on board, it was an eventuality and yes, it didn't matter what anyone thought. I will admit, I didn't pay attention to all the details until it was going to happen for sure, but that last post didn't make sense to me.

 

[mnstate0fhockey]

I'm not sure I understand your argument. So Maturi was against it when it wasn't going to happen anyway, but then put up no resistance when there was nothing he could do about?

When there were only five teams, the big 10 schools would have been stupid to create a big 10 conference since they would not have received an auto-bid. Or was Notre Dame going to make the leap back then? Maybe Barry was pushing it for his own reasons, but that just didn't make sense. More fantasy of happening then reality of happening. Once PSU was on board, it was an eventuality and yes, it didn't matter what anyone thought. I will admit, I didn't pay attention to all the details until it was going to happen for sure, but that last post didn't make sense to me.

It was a very real option the first time realignment was proposed, but without Minnesota on board, it didn't happen. Once Penn State elevated their program to D1, Minnesota was powerless to stop it unless they wanted to be kicked out of he Big Ten entirely. Do you honestly think the Big Ten would have let Minnesota stay in the conference for football and basketball if they were solely responsible for stopping the formation of a Big Ten Hockey Conference that every other conference school wanted?

Minnesota had leverage the first time realignment was proposed. They had very little leverage once Penn State joined. Maturi has never been in favor of realignment. That has never changed.

What's done is done. Let's just move on.

 

[Almington]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

Before PSU anounced they were adding their program, Barry was on the record as stating that UW should go INDEPENDENT in Hockey.

As for the chicago game, I can't see any reason that Maturi would object, it isn't like UMN is giving up a Saturday home game against a major rival.

 

[mnstate0fhockey]

Before PSU anounced they were adding their program, Barry was on the record as stating that UW should go INDEPENDENT in Hockey.

As for the chicago game, I can't see any reason that Maturi would object, it isn't like UMN is giving up a Saturday home game against a major rival.

I agree. I see no reason why Minnesota should or could object to an outdoor game. Especially against a big rival like Wisconsin. Should be a blast!

 

[Chuck Schwartz]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

FWIW, if you're going to blame (I guess that's the word) anyone for Wisconsin playing outdoor games, it's Eaves. Pretty simple to read between the lines on his quotes over the years to see that he's the one who is pushing for UW to pursue and accept these types of opportunities. Although on this one someone already pointed out that there is an outside company who is putting this together. Eaves has said that UW would like to play at least one every four seasons, and he uses it recruiting (& it works--Think: Rumpel, Kerdiles).

All in all, I love it. I understand some of the season ticket holders that might be upset, that's more than understandable. Overall though there are more than enough benefits for UW to play in a game like this. I'm looking forward to it, and will have fun with it. If you're not, that's your prerogative but don't feel the need to ruin it for the rest of us.

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[solovsfett]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

agreed Chuck. For Eaves it's all benefits, I mean there are going to be tons of 12, 13, 14 year-old hockey players watching this on tv, it makes an impression that won't be forgotten really. and that comes back later in the recruiting game.

for me personally, I'm going to go to the Solider Field game cause they're playing the rats and I'd love nothing more than to see UW curb stomp those filthy rodents in front of 50-60,000 people. any other situation though and I probably wouldn't go as I've already seen two outdoor games so the novelty has worn off.

 

[Gandalf the Red]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

agreed Chuck. For Eaves it's all benefits, I mean there are going to be tons of 12, 13, 14 year-old hockey players watching this on tv, it makes an impression that won't be forgotten really. and that comes back later in the recruiting game.

for me personally, I'm going to go to the Solider Field game cause they're playing the rats and I'd love nothing more than to see UW curb stomp those filthy rodents in front of 50-60,000 people. any other situation though and I probably wouldn't go as I've already seen two outdoor games so the novelty has worn off.

I think you hit the nail on the head, there will be a large UW crowd because they are playing the gophers. Getting a doubleheader with good teams helps too. I had a friend who was a grad student at Notre Dame, and Notre Dame gave up a home game against Michigan to play a game at the Palace at Auburn Hills outisde of Detriot. We went up there, and the opening game was Niagara vs Wayne State. In Wayne State's last year of NCAA hockey. Not quite the same as Notre Dame vs Miami (OH). Fans will definitely get their moneys worth at Soldiers Field as all four teams could be in the NCAA tourney a month later.

Hopefully global warming doesn't ruin the ice in February...

 

[mnstate0fhockey]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

Gophers vs Badgers. 60,000+ people. National spotlight. What's not to like?

Chuck nailed it. I'll be there, and got the first round

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

Ya know...for UW and ND its starting to make some sense. Its about the recruiting. Putting aside the state of WI for a mn, the Chicago area is the second biggest well (after MN) for UW...and probably the biggest for ND. If those schools make any inroads into the market, it will be worthwhile.

Gophers vs Badgers. 60,000+ people. National spotlight. What's not to like?

Chuck nailed it. I'll be there, and got the first round

Do folks really think it will draw more than a typical UW Kohl game?

 

[Almington]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

FWIW, if you're going to blame (I guess that's the word) anyone for Wisconsin playing outdoor games, it's Eaves. Pretty simple to read between the lines on his quotes over the years to see that he's the one who is pushing for UW to pursue and accept these types of opportunities. Although on this one someone already pointed out that there is an outside company who is putting this together. Eaves has said that UW would like to play at least one every four seasons, and he uses it recruiting (& it works--Think: Rumpel, Kerdiles).

All in all, I love it. I understand some of the season ticket holders that might be upset, that's more than understandable. Overall though there are more than enough benefits for UW to play in a game like this. I'm looking forward to it, and will have fun with it. If you're not, that's your prerogative but don't feel the need to ruin it for the rest of us.

I don't have a problem with UW playing in any outdoor the game, I take issue with giving up a home conference game to do it. That's what bother's me.

 

[mnstate0fhockey]

Ya know...for UW and ND its starting to make some sense. Its about the recruiting. Putting aside the state of WI for a mn, the Chicago area is the second biggest well (after MN) for UW...and probably the biggest for ND. If those schools make any inroads into the market, it will be worthwhile.



Do folks really think it will draw more than a typical UW Kohl game?

I think it will draw very well. I know a ton of people from the cities that will be going. Probably because this is our first ever outdoor game and the novelty is still there. I wish this game was at TCF, but Soldier Field should be really cool.

I think this will be great exposure for the Gophers too. I see your point that we don't look out of state as much, but we are starting to more and more and being on the radar of top recruits in other regions is never a bad thing

Props to coach Eaves. Hopefully Lucia and the Gophers are taking notes.

 

[4four4]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

The Big Ten Network in their back yard have to love the game in Chicago.

 

[Tiggsy]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

I don't have a problem with UW playing in any outdoor the game, I take issue with giving up a home conference game to do it. That's what bother's me.

That's the only think making me okay with this. Still not a big fan of outdoor games. Anyone know if one ticket gets you into both games? That would certainly boost up the attendence numbers to announce.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

All in all, I love it. I understand some of the season ticket holders that might be upset, that's more than understandable. Overall though there are more than enough benefits for UW to play in a game like this. I'm looking forward to it, and will have fun with it. If you're not, that's your prerogative but don't feel the need to ruin it for the rest of us.
>

I think UW season ticket holders should get a good sized discount on the tickets. That would have 2 positive effects, increase the attendance overall and be an olive branch to them. UW attendance was down last year, I don't think UW wants losing a home game in the package to be the straw that breaks some season ticket holder's backs. The Chitown game is a short term + bump to the program and p/oing season ticket holders will have a long term - bump.

So what's the cost to park a car down there going to be?

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey: Vol. XXI - For every dark night, there's a brighter day

So what's the cost to park a car down there going to be?

Last time I was at Soldier Field was 95 for a Dead show and it was $20. Gotta think it's quite a bit more by now.