solovsfett
Registered User
Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVI: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tolerate The BTHC
I could send you a copy of the game!
I could send you a copy of the game!
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Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVI: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tolerate The BTHC
- Thread starter ExileOnDaytonStreet
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WiscTJK
Well-known member
Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVI: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tolerate The BTHC
Well the attendance stats speak for themselves.
I just hope we don't start losing recruits due to an empty barn. But unfortunately that may be next. This year will be a big one for the program.
Honestly this is the first time since I was student in the 90's that I considered not renewing my tix, and I consider myself a die hard fan.
Well the attendance stats speak for themselves.
I just hope we don't start losing recruits due to an empty barn. But unfortunately that may be next. This year will be a big one for the program.
Honestly this is the first time since I was student in the 90's that I considered not renewing my tix, and I consider myself a die hard fan.
WiscTJK
Well-known member
Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVI: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tolerate The BTHC
Here is the link to the article http://host.madison.com/sports/blog...cle_c60d602a-04d6-11e3-bbd9-001a4bcf887a.html
Here is the link to the article http://host.madison.com/sports/blog...cle_c60d602a-04d6-11e3-bbd9-001a4bcf887a.html
WiscTJK
Well-known member
Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVI: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tolerate The BTHC
Well the attendance stats speak for themselves.
I just hope we don't start losing recruits due to an empty barn. But unfortunately that may be next. This year will be a big one for the program.
Honestly this is the first time since I was student in the 90's that I considered not renewing my tix, and I consider myself a die hard fan.
Well the attendance stats speak for themselves.
I just hope we don't start losing recruits due to an empty barn. But unfortunately that may be next. This year will be a big one for the program.
Honestly this is the first time since I was student in the 90's that I considered not renewing my tix, and I consider myself a die hard fan.
G
Gurtholfin
Guest
Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVI: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tolerate The BTHC
Honest question, no snark intended...
Have you been to a game at the KC recently?
Honest question, no snark intended...
Have you been to a game at the KC recently?
Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVI: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tolerate The BTHC
The attendance/atmosphere is a big, big thing in my mind, but I'm just too excited about this year's team on the ice and the new league to worry too much about it, considering I do all I can (other than buying all the tickets so the "paid attendance" is a sellout) to support the program and spread the love of Badger hockey, and this is a realistically good team. Attending games is still thoroughly enjoyable, even in those low-attendance games. With new news being pretty much non existent, though, any article is worth at least mentioning, IMO.
Still two more months to go?!? I can't wait to get back to the Kohl Center. Just over a month before the women's exhibition against Japan, at least. (And I plan on bringing signs to women's games. Small signs, but signs. It should work.)
In other news, I saw Gophers fans in the Gophers thread say that they're looking forward to the Big Ten Hockey Tournament, and the new rivalries that will form and the new stories that will be written, and it could be better than the Final Five, so maybe this is all a dream anyway.
Let's go red!
The attendance/atmosphere is a big, big thing in my mind, but I'm just too excited about this year's team on the ice and the new league to worry too much about it, considering I do all I can (other than buying all the tickets so the "paid attendance" is a sellout) to support the program and spread the love of Badger hockey, and this is a realistically good team. Attending games is still thoroughly enjoyable, even in those low-attendance games. With new news being pretty much non existent, though, any article is worth at least mentioning, IMO.
Still two more months to go?!? I can't wait to get back to the Kohl Center. Just over a month before the women's exhibition against Japan, at least. (And I plan on bringing signs to women's games. Small signs, but signs. It should work.)
In other news, I saw Gophers fans in the Gophers thread say that they're looking forward to the Big Ten Hockey Tournament, and the new rivalries that will form and the new stories that will be written, and it could be better than the Final Five, so maybe this is all a dream anyway.
Let's go red!
Chuck Schwartz
New member
Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVI: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tolerate The BTHC
Obviously attendance is down, it's been well documented. That said, UW still finished third in attendance in the nation last season. I'd be shocked if they lost a recruit because they fell from No. 1 for a zillion straight years to No. 3. No doubt things need to be done to get back to normal, but losing a recruit is a probably a reach.
It's hard to get to the KC often when it's a five + hour drive, but I did see the Minnesota game in person (I realize that was one of the highest attended games of the season) & all the rest on TV. But I also saw them play in Green Bay, at Duluth, at Minnesota, at North Dakota and the outdoor game which are all interesting comparisons to the home atmosphere.
And yes, I know Baggot's article sparked the discussion and don't have a serious problem with it getting brought up, just a nagging problem that I wish would go away because it's not a fun topic to talk about.
Obviously attendance is down, it's been well documented. That said, UW still finished third in attendance in the nation last season. I'd be shocked if they lost a recruit because they fell from No. 1 for a zillion straight years to No. 3. No doubt things need to be done to get back to normal, but losing a recruit is a probably a reach.
It's hard to get to the KC often when it's a five + hour drive, but I did see the Minnesota game in person (I realize that was one of the highest attended games of the season) & all the rest on TV. But I also saw them play in Green Bay, at Duluth, at Minnesota, at North Dakota and the outdoor game which are all interesting comparisons to the home atmosphere.
And yes, I know Baggot's article sparked the discussion and don't have a serious problem with it getting brought up, just a nagging problem that I wish would go away because it's not a fun topic to talk about.
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Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVI: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tolerate The BTHC
If the numbers started declining after we won the NCAA title I don't see where even winning another on this year will help much. Consistent success is needed.
Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVI: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tolerate The BTHC
I know I'm a frequent trespasser here with a lot less knowledge of the Badger program, but maybe the new conference comes at just the right time. Having Michigan and State in the league mix should get some juices flowing.
I know I'm a frequent trespasser here with a lot less knowledge of the Badger program, but maybe the new conference comes at just the right time. Having Michigan and State in the league mix should get some juices flowing.
We are trying to put a positive spin to a negative situation.
GBBadger14
New member
That's what Eaves and the rest of the athletic dept. have been mentioning when they're asked about the B10. They think they'll be able to draw more casual fans because of the familiar schools that we'll be playing, which is a fair point.
Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVI: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tolerate The BTHC
Sorry...I just don't buy into the "defensive" or "boring" or whatever other "style of play" arguements you want to make. Comparing todays version of hockey to that of the early 90's or when Heatley (a generational type talent that there just are not many of that play college hockey much less in Madison) was around if more then a little unfair. You can make the arguement that todays hockey is "boring" relative to the late 70's and early 80's, but that arguement only holds water if other teams are playing that type of hockey (which they are not in college (nor the NHL)).
The Badgers have been plenty exciting under Eaves when he assembles a good team like the 2006, 2010, and even the 2012 (after the first month and a half) versions. Sorry, but Eaves track record clearly shows he is willing to let offensive players be offensive players. Guys like Earl, Davies, Zengerle were given plenty of rope to play offensively with little attention to the D side of the puck. Zengerle has improved dramatically in his D awareness...but you can't even begin to argue Davies or Earl did and keep a straight face. Eaves problem has not been letting offensive minded players have the freedom to do their thing...It's been he always seems to be short one or two of those kind of guys on his roster. The blend of offensive minded guys with responsible type guys has been generally a bit off not to mention the vicious cycle of uneven classes that has never seemed to go away under Eaves. It is always boom of an experienced team or the bust of an extremely green one.
Sorry...I just don't buy into the "defensive" or "boring" or whatever other "style of play" arguements you want to make. Comparing todays version of hockey to that of the early 90's or when Heatley (a generational type talent that there just are not many of that play college hockey much less in Madison) was around if more then a little unfair. You can make the arguement that todays hockey is "boring" relative to the late 70's and early 80's, but that arguement only holds water if other teams are playing that type of hockey (which they are not in college (nor the NHL)).
The Badgers have been plenty exciting under Eaves when he assembles a good team like the 2006, 2010, and even the 2012 (after the first month and a half) versions. Sorry, but Eaves track record clearly shows he is willing to let offensive players be offensive players. Guys like Earl, Davies, Zengerle were given plenty of rope to play offensively with little attention to the D side of the puck. Zengerle has improved dramatically in his D awareness...but you can't even begin to argue Davies or Earl did and keep a straight face. Eaves problem has not been letting offensive minded players have the freedom to do their thing...It's been he always seems to be short one or two of those kind of guys on his roster. The blend of offensive minded guys with responsible type guys has been generally a bit off not to mention the vicious cycle of uneven classes that has never seemed to go away under Eaves. It is always boom of an experienced team or the bust of an extremely green one.
Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVI: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tolerate The BTHC
For older fans like me, especially Nodaks, the UW/UND hockey history is special, but most younger fans, including just about all students, don't have that connection anymore. So though I really regret not having UW in UND's conference, the B10 will probably be good for them and possibly provide a little jump-start.
For older fans like me, especially Nodaks, the UW/UND hockey history is special, but most younger fans, including just about all students, don't have that connection anymore. So though I really regret not having UW in UND's conference, the B10 will probably be good for them and possibly provide a little jump-start.
Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVI: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tolerate The BTHC
While many older fans have commented on how terrible it is that they're no longer in a league with Denver and UND, and instead are playing tOSU and PSU, I do think that what you say is true. First of all, let's not forget that Michigan and Michigan State have storied hockey programs of their own. Then throw in the fact that they're well known schools. Are the older, well-established fans going to leave because of this? I doubt it. (Don't forget the lesser oWCHA schools are being replaced with "higher profile" out-of-conference opponents and "higher profile" Big Ten schools.) Will casual Badger fans take some more interest especially students? That seems more realistic. I think students will be more likely to pick up somebody's ticket for the Michigan series this year than they would have for winter break series in previous years.
While many older fans have commented on how terrible it is that they're no longer in a league with Denver and UND, and instead are playing tOSU and PSU, I do think that what you say is true. First of all, let's not forget that Michigan and Michigan State have storied hockey programs of their own. Then throw in the fact that they're well known schools. Are the older, well-established fans going to leave because of this? I doubt it. (Don't forget the lesser oWCHA schools are being replaced with "higher profile" out-of-conference opponents and "higher profile" Big Ten schools.) Will casual Badger fans take some more interest especially students? That seems more realistic. I think students will be more likely to pick up somebody's ticket for the Michigan series this year than they would have for winter break series in previous years.
Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVI: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tolerate The BTHC
I have really grown to like the idea of Big 10 hockey. Yes North Dakota, Denver, CC, Duluth, St Cloud will be missed. But you know what...we weren't playing those teams with the regularity we should be anyways. I MUCH prefer knowing that we will play Michigan, Michigan State, and Minnesota 4 times per year then guessing how badly the WCHA shafts us on playing Denver and North Dakota each year so we can play our fair share against the Bemidji's and Omaha's of the "improved" and bloated WCHA. If you look at the reality of neither Denver nor North Dakota played in Madison last year...I for one will not miss the WCHA in the least. My Saturday season ticket package last year had NO NORTH DAKOTA, DENVER, OR MINNESOTA games....NONE. Those are the games I want season tickets for and the types of games where the building is fuller, more electric, ect.
I'll also take the scheduling flexibility of playing in a smaller conference that will allow us to play many of the old conference rivals as well as a much more diverse sampling of other traditional hockey powers.
I have really grown to like the idea of Big 10 hockey. Yes North Dakota, Denver, CC, Duluth, St Cloud will be missed. But you know what...we weren't playing those teams with the regularity we should be anyways. I MUCH prefer knowing that we will play Michigan, Michigan State, and Minnesota 4 times per year then guessing how badly the WCHA shafts us on playing Denver and North Dakota each year so we can play our fair share against the Bemidji's and Omaha's of the "improved" and bloated WCHA. If you look at the reality of neither Denver nor North Dakota played in Madison last year...I for one will not miss the WCHA in the least. My Saturday season ticket package last year had NO NORTH DAKOTA, DENVER, OR MINNESOTA games....NONE. Those are the games I want season tickets for and the types of games where the building is fuller, more electric, ect.
I'll also take the scheduling flexibility of playing in a smaller conference that will allow us to play many of the old conference rivals as well as a much more diverse sampling of other traditional hockey powers.
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Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVI: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tolerate The BTHC
The only UW/UND hockey games I've been to are the two early in the 2011-12 season. UND was ranked #5 at the time, and I thought people seemed pretty pumped for it, though some of that could have been in my head based on what I had learned of the history of the two teams. (Attendances were 10,594 and 12,077, by the way.) The "racist mascot" and "Sue's a girl's name" chants came out ASAP, the same way "safety schoo-ool" chants start ASAP when the Gophers come to town, but I also feel like UND was just seen as a good team at the top of the WCHA, not a special rival.
Edit: I think that was just my convoluted way of saying, "if Michigan is at/near the top of the standings/rankings when they come to town, they'll be seen the same way UND was. UND wasn't irrelevant (those games were seen as more important than others), but most student fans don't know what a "water bottle incident" is.
The only UW/UND hockey games I've been to are the two early in the 2011-12 season. UND was ranked #5 at the time, and I thought people seemed pretty pumped for it, though some of that could have been in my head based on what I had learned of the history of the two teams. (Attendances were 10,594 and 12,077, by the way.) The "racist mascot" and "Sue's a girl's name" chants came out ASAP, the same way "safety schoo-ool" chants start ASAP when the Gophers come to town, but I also feel like UND was just seen as a good team at the top of the WCHA, not a special rival.
Edit: I think that was just my convoluted way of saying, "if Michigan is at/near the top of the standings/rankings when they come to town, they'll be seen the same way UND was. UND wasn't irrelevant (those games were seen as more important than others), but most student fans don't know what a "water bottle incident" is.
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GBBadger14
New member
Definitely agree with this. I was pretty upset when I saw that there's 3 home series over winter break this year as I will be back home in GB, but I will definitely be making the trip down for the Michigan series.
G
Gurtholfin
Guest
Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVI: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tolerate The BTHC
I'm not going to hitch my wagon completely to the style of play argument, but I will say that it's gut-wrenching at times to watch these Badger teams.
In what way? The offensive ineptness. There are literally nights where it feels like we definitely WILL NOT score at all. Or where we get 1 or maybe 2 goals and you feel like that's it and we have to hang on. This creates tension in the arena, and not the good tension of watching two skilled teams go back and forth. It's the tension brought on by knowing that your team will get opportunities, but for some reason will not be able to cash them in.
Watching these guys fail to execute on great chances gets old. Watching them get a goal or two and then having to tighten up and try to protect the lead gets old coz we won't get another goal.
I think it goes to your points of not having enough skilled players at any given time and the unbalanced classes. Style of play? Maybe not. Ability to play? Sounds like a possibility.
Either way, it still falls on Eaves and either way, fans have lost interest. Can't tell you how bored I've been at games over the past couple of seasons.
I'm not going to hitch my wagon completely to the style of play argument, but I will say that it's gut-wrenching at times to watch these Badger teams.
In what way? The offensive ineptness. There are literally nights where it feels like we definitely WILL NOT score at all. Or where we get 1 or maybe 2 goals and you feel like that's it and we have to hang on. This creates tension in the arena, and not the good tension of watching two skilled teams go back and forth. It's the tension brought on by knowing that your team will get opportunities, but for some reason will not be able to cash them in.
Watching these guys fail to execute on great chances gets old. Watching them get a goal or two and then having to tighten up and try to protect the lead gets old coz we won't get another goal.
I think it goes to your points of not having enough skilled players at any given time and the unbalanced classes. Style of play? Maybe not. Ability to play? Sounds like a possibility.
Either way, it still falls on Eaves and either way, fans have lost interest. Can't tell you how bored I've been at games over the past couple of seasons.
Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVI: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tolerate The BTHC
Are talking about the bad teams under Eaves or the good ones? Cause the good ones have been plenty fun to watch. The bad ones...not so much.
Are talking about the bad teams under Eaves or the good ones? Cause the good ones have been plenty fun to watch. The bad ones...not so much.
G
Gurtholfin
Guest
Re: Wisconsin Hockey Vol. XXVI: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Tolerate The BTHC
Well, of course the mediocre ones. I don't have season tickets so I can see one good team every 3-4 years. It takes too much of a toll to sit through the bad years, game after game after game.
It's been a morgue in the KC over the past couple of years and couple that with line after line of indistinguishable grinders and you can see why some (many) have left and why many perceive it to be a style of play issue instead of the team makeup issue that it actually (probably) is.
Well, of course the mediocre ones. I don't have season tickets so I can see one good team every 3-4 years. It takes too much of a toll to sit through the bad years, game after game after game.
It's been a morgue in the KC over the past couple of years and couple that with line after line of indistinguishable grinders and you can see why some (many) have left and why many perceive it to be a style of play issue instead of the team makeup issue that it actually (probably) is.
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