Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the problem!!

[Tipsy McStagger]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

I think the Big Ten is a few coaching changes away from being the monster it has the potential to be.

Yeah, all it needs is just better coaches and players.

 

[Ice Bisquit]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

The other thing I got from what I heard from Strand was that he seemed to be excusing Wittchow's hit because "he's so tall that he hits everyone in the head." I know you want to defend your players, but that's a pretty lame argument. He also put some blame on Novak for "not being aware."

Strand must follow Eaves out the door. We need a complete reboot here in Badger Hockey!

 

[mnstate0fhockey]

Yeah, all it needs is just better coaches and players.

At a few schools, you bet. And it will happen.

So enjoy the trolling while it lasts

 

[RedStripes]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

The other thing I got from what I heard from Strand was that he seemed to be excusing Wittchow's hit because "he's so tall that he hits everyone in the head." I know you want to defend your players, but that's a pretty lame argument. He also put some blame on Novak for "not being aware."

I missed this this morning. Is there a podcast or recording anywhere?

 

[Badger Booster]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

The other thing I got from what I heard from Strand was that he seemed to be excusing Wittchow's hit because "he's so tall that he hits everyone in the head." I know you want to defend your players, but that's a pretty lame argument. He also put some blame on Novak for "not being aware."

Yeah, I wasn't thrilled with the interview either. I understand that you don't want to throw your players under the bus, but I did cringe when he brought up Wittchow's height as an issue. Posick is in a difficult spot as an interviewer & play-by-play announcer. I listened to his post-game Saturday night and he seemed shocked at what he saw and really didn't know what to say about the whole debacle. I just don't think he is in a position to give his 100% honest opinion of the state of the program.

 

[jk]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

Sioux fan here again. It will turn around incredibly quickly for Wisconsin. Look how fast Penn State became relevant. Wisconsin has the campus, the city, the NHL reputation, the history, plus some talent in the pipeline. It will probably follow the same arc the Gophers had when Lucia came in.

 

[burd]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

I think the Big Ten is a few coaching changes away from being the monster it has the potential to be. With the resources Wisconsin has I would be floored if Bennett didn't jump at the job if offered.

By monster, I assume you mean something along the lines of the NCHC.

 

[solovsfett]

Yeah, I wasn't thrilled with the interview either. I understand that you don't want to throw your players under the bus, but I did cringe when he brought up Wittchow's height as an issue. Posick is in a difficult spot as an interviewer & play-by-play announcer. I listened to his post-game Saturday night and he seemed shocked at what he saw and really didn't know what to say about the whole debacle. I just don't think he is in a position to give his 100% honest opinion of the state of the program.

Absolutely. I only listened to parts of the game Saturday and the 3rd period at that and if tone of voice was any indication Brian Posick was at a total loss to describe what was transpiring on the ice.

Who's the analyst? Is that Ian Perrin? Considering he played for the badger Bob iirc he should be incredibly saddened and angered by this downturn.

It was very difficult to discern any emotion from his analysis

 

[Badger Booster]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

I made it a 2-for Saturday, by picking up tickets to the Women's game as well as my remaining season tickets on Saturday for Men's.

My 15 year old son and I enjoyed the women's game immensely. There was good flow and good competition with the Fighting Hawks. We then spent more hard earned money to eat downtown and visit an establishment for a drink (for me).

We then attended the men's game and being down 1 in 12 seconds and 3 within 6 minutes was about all I could handle. We did stay until like a minute was left, but my son said how much the second game sucked and I left angry and upset. To say it was disappointing was an understatement.

I had a very similar UW hockey experience as you over the weekend. I did the Saturday double-header with my 11-year old niece who was fired up to spend to whole day on campus and watch both men's and women's hockey. LaBahn was packed and we were treated to a very tense, hard-fought Badger win where both teams played pretty much all out for 60 minutes. Stuck around for the post-game autograph session and were able to take pictures with the likes of Annie Pankowski & Sarah Nurse among others. They coudn't have been nicer and said how much they really appreciated everyone coming out to see them play.

After that, we headed out and walked around campus before settling in for dinner and a pre-game drink (just me) and was fun to hang out at a place that was packed with Badger fans getting ready to go to the men's game.

I'll give some credit to the UW Event staff as they are trying some stuff to make the environment more entertaining. It was an announced crowd over 13,000 and it felt like the actual attendance was close to that.

Then the game started. Badgers looked completely unmotivated and unprepared and the game was essentially over in 5 minutes. My niece summed it up pretty well after the 3rd goal, "You paid money for this?" This would be unacceptable if Minnesota was #1 in the country, but the fact they came in 11-10 made it that much more infuriating. Yeah, they played better in the 2nd period, but was the same old sh-t in the 3rd period. It was so bad that the Minnesota fans near me weren't even cheering that much after the 7th, 8th and 9th goals.

So the last two men's games I've gone to were last year Friday game against Tech and last Saturday night. Outscored 17-3 in those games with both games seeing the Badgers down big early. Was back for the Sunday women's game was refreshing watching a team play hard and with composure throughout the whole game (and how to play with a lead late in the game).

I do have tickets for the Saturday men's game against Michigan and I do plan to go as they are bought and paid for. At this point, all I want is the Badgers not to be down 3 after the 1st period.

I'm not going to rant and rave about Eaves as it's all going to play itself out within the next 3 months. I don't see how he is possibly retained with what has gone on with the program the last 18 months. 2006 can only buy you so much goodwill.

 

[mnstate0fhockey]

By monster, I assume you mean something along the lines of the NCHC.

That or beyond. UMN, UW, and UM have all been traditional powerhouses. Every school in the Big Ten has the resources to get to that level. Just depends on whether or not they want to use those resources for hockey. UMN, UW (despite Barry), and UM I believe are committed to doing what it takes to make hockey successful. I believe Penn State is as well, but I'm taking a wait and see approach. OSU and MSU are less clear. Then you have possible expansion.

Point is, if Big Ten wants to throw huge money at coaching, facilities, etc... there are few NCHC schools that could match. UND would do whatever it takes, who else would?

I think the Big Ten schools aren't going to sit back and watch the hockey conference struggle. There will be some coaching changes, and I think that is what is really holding back a few schools. Look at the huge recruiting boost BU got from a coaching change. I'd expect the same at UW and possibly MSU.

Michigan is already turning things around and Minnesota has already back to form. Turn UW and MSU around and expand the BTHC and I'd expect the Big Ten to be one of the strongest conferences in college hockey (along with the NCHC and Hockey East) in the next 5-10 years or less.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

The other thing I got from what I heard from Strand was that he seemed to be excusing Wittchow's hit because "he's so tall that he hits everyone in the head." I know you want to defend your players, but that's a pretty lame argument. He also put some blame on Novak for "not being aware."

Strand is going to tow Eaves' company line. Eaves is his boss and even if he disagrees, he won't do that publicly. Eaves has used the height fact previously, with Eddie and other players. I hope Strand's resume won't be too damaged by latching onto the Eaves' boat. He may have been a candidate for replacing him had he not got this job. Now he's screwed.

Being a kinda positive/hopeful guy, thinking that maybe things could turn around against a mediocre rodent team, this weekend's results just sucked the life right out of me. I was almost to this point after the OSU series, but now there's no denying the fact that BA just pizzed away an entire year of UW hockey because he didn't axe Eaves. This is very depressing.

 

[gwhinwi]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

I missed this this morning. Is there a podcast or recording anywhere?

I don't think so, since it was just part of the normal morning show.

Yeah, I wasn't thrilled with the interview either. I understand that you don't want to throw your players under the bus, but I did cringe when he brought up Wittchow's height as an issue. Posick is in a difficult spot as an interviewer & play-by-play announcer. I listened to his post-game Saturday night and he seemed shocked at what he saw and really didn't know what to say about the whole debacle. I just don't think he is in a position to give his 100% honest opinion of the state of the program.

Almost no one in the media that can question the program at this point. Baggot works for the University and Posick calls the games and interviews the coaches. Maybe Todd Milewski for the Cap Times could put some sort of attention on to the state of the program, but that sounds like the best we could hope for at this point.

Strand is going to tow Eaves' company line. Eaves is his boss and even if he disagrees, he won't do that publicly. Eaves has used the height fact previously, with Eddie and other players. I hope Strand's resume won't be too damaged by latching onto the Eaves' boat. He may have been a candidate for replacing him had he not got this job. Now he's screwed.

I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt based on the high opinion that a lot of people had for him, but he lost me forever when he blamed the injured player for getting elbowed in the head. I hope to see him gone at the end of the year as well.

 

[Bratbill]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

Who Says Barry Doesn't CARE ?




MADISON, Wis. – With the inaugural "Super Saturday – College Hoops & Hockey" doubleheader set for Saturday in New York City, the Big Ten announced future matchups for 2017, 2018 and 2019, with Wisconsin set to compete at legendary Madison Square Garden on Jan. 28, 2017.

The doubleheader features conference competition on an annual basis in late January or early February, with nine different Big Ten institutions competing in men's basketball and/or hockey from 2016-19.

Next season, the Badgers will take on Rutgers in men's basketball and Ohio State in men's hockey.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for our program and especially our student-athletes," Wisconsin Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez remarked. "It will be a great experience for them to play in this unique event in one of the most famous arenas in the world. We have a large number of fans and alumni in the New York area and this is a fantastic chance for them to see our teams compete. The Big Ten has developed a number of innovative ways to expand the reach of the conference and this is another terrific example."

Wisconsin basketball has a history with Madison Square Garden. Most recently, the Badgers competed in the 2K Classic at MSG in November, falling to Georgetown before knocking off VCU in the third-place game. UW's hoops history with The Garden extends back to 1947 when the Badgers played a pair of NCAA tournament games in the third version of the World's Most Famous Arena. Wisconsin defeated Navy in the East Regional consolation game after losing to CCNY in the semifinals. Three different Badgers have been drafted by the New York Knicks: Dick Miller (1956), Jack Brens (1964) and Joe Chrnelich (1980). Most recently, Marcus Landry spent time on the Knicks active roster during the 2009-10 season.

For the Wisconsin hockey team, it will mark the first appearance at Madison Square Garden in program history. However, a group of former Badgers have gone on to significant careers for the New York Rangers at the Garden, including current Rangers' captain Ryan McDonagh (2010-present) and assistant captain Derek Stepan (2010-present). Former Badger Mike Richter has his number retired in the MSG rafters from his spectacular NHL career (1988-2003) that included the 1994 Stanley Cup championship. Other Badgers who played for New York include Mike Blaisdell (1983-85), Bruce Driver 1995-98), Patrick Flatley (1996-97), Tony Granato (1988-90), Terry Kleisinger (1985-86), Brian Mullen (1987-91), Barry Richter (1995-96), Dean Talafous (1978-82) and Wayne Thomas (1977-81).

The inaugural "Super Saturday – College Hoops & Hockey" doubleheader will feature Penn State and Michigan in both basketball and hockey on Saturday at The Mecca. The basketball game will tip at 11 a.m. CT, while the hockey game will begin at 6 p.m. BTN will air both contests.

On Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, Minnesota will entertain the Buckeyes on the court, while Michigan State will host the Gophers on the ice. In 2019, Maryland will face Illinois in men's basketball. The 2019 hockey matchup, times for 2017 and 2018 and date and times for 2019 will be announced at a later date.

In Dec. 2014, the Big Ten announced an extensive agreement with Madison Square Garden to feature the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament in New York City for the first time in 2018, along with men's basketball and hockey doubleheaders from 2016 through 2019 and a significant branding presence both inside and outside the building.

About the Big Ten Conference: The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The broad-based programs of the 14 Big Ten institutions will provide over $200 million in direct financial support to more than 9,500 students for more than 11,000 participation opportunities on 350 teams in 42 different sports. The Big Ten sponsors 28 official conference sports, 14 for men and 14 for women, including the addition of men's ice hockey and men's and women's lacrosse since 2013. For more information, visit www.bigten.org.

About The Madison Square Garden Company: The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) is a world leader in live sports and entertainment with a portfolio of legendary sports teams, exclusive entertainment productions and celebrated venues. MSG Sports owns and operates some of the most widely recognized sports franchises: the New York Knicks (NBA), the New York Rangers (NHL) and the New York Liberty (WNBA), along with two development league teams -- the Westchester Knicks (NBADL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL). MSG Sports also presents a broad array of world-class sporting events, including: professional boxing, college basketball, tennis, bull riding and e-gaming events. MSG Entertainment features exclusive, original productions that include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the New York Spring Spectacular, both showcasing the Rockettes. MSG Entertainment also presents or hosts a wide variety of live entertainment offerings, including concerts, family shows and special events, in the Company's diverse collection of iconic venues. These venues are: New York's Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; the Forum in Inglewood, California; The Chicago Theatre; and the Wang Theatre in Boston. More information is available at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com.

 

[ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

Oooh, fun. Now our program can embarrass itself in MSG!!!

 

[icebadger]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

Oooh, fun. Now our program can embarrass itself in MSG!!!

Hey now, Eaves might have us back at double-digest W's by then.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

Yeah, all it needs is just better coaches and players.

Look at Jan all confident and proud of herself and the new click she's hanging with!

How cute.


She has no idea that she's still Jan though and it breaks my heart that realization will certainly set in at some point as one can put on a wig, but one cannot change who she is.

 

[burd]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

That or beyond. UMN, UW, and UM have all been traditional powerhouses. Every school in the Big Ten has the resources to get to that level. Just depends on whether or not they want to use those resources for hockey. UMN, UW (despite Barry), and UM I believe are committed to doing what it takes to make hockey successful. I believe Penn State is as well, but I'm taking a wait and see approach. OSU and MSU are less clear. Then you have possible expansion.

Point is, if Big Ten wants to throw huge money at coaching, facilities, etc... there are few NCHC schools that could match. UND would do whatever it takes, who else would?

I think the Big Ten schools aren't going to sit back and watch the hockey conference struggle. There will be some coaching changes, and I think that is what is really holding back a few schools. Look at the huge recruiting boost BU got from a coaching change. I'd expect the same at UW and possibly MSU.

Michigan is already turning things around and Minnesota has already back to form. Turn UW and MSU around and expand the BTHC and I'd expect the Big Ten to be one of the strongest conferences in college hockey (along with the NCHC and Hockey East) in the next 5-10 years or less.

I was poking fun. With its vast resources and the core schools with great hockey tradition, there is no reason the B1G should not be able to do it.

 

[solovsfett]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

Who Says Barry Doesn't CARE ?




MADISON, Wis. – With the inaugural "Super Saturday – College Hoops & Hockey" doubleheader set for Saturday in New York City, the Big Ten announced future matchups for 2017, 2018 and 2019, with Wisconsin set to compete at legendary Madison Square Garden on Jan. 28, 2017.

The doubleheader features conference competition on an annual basis in late January or early February, with nine different Big Ten institutions competing in men's basketball and/or hockey from 2016-19.

Next season, the Badgers will take on Rutgers in men's basketball and Ohio State in men's hockey.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for our program and especially our student-athletes," Wisconsin Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez remarked. "It will be a great experience for them to play in this unique event in one of the most famous arenas in the world. We have a large number of fans and alumni in the New York area and this is a fantastic chance for them to see our teams compete. The Big Ten has developed a number of innovative ways to expand the reach of the conference and this is another terrific example."

Wisconsin basketball has a history with Madison Square Garden. Most recently, the Badgers competed in the 2K Classic at MSG in November, falling to Georgetown before knocking off VCU in the third-place game. UW's hoops history with The Garden extends back to 1947 when the Badgers played a pair of NCAA tournament games in the third version of the World's Most Famous Arena. Wisconsin defeated Navy in the East Regional consolation game after losing to CCNY in the semifinals. Three different Badgers have been drafted by the New York Knicks: Dick Miller (1956), Jack Brens (1964) and Joe Chrnelich (1980). Most recently, Marcus Landry spent time on the Knicks active roster during the 2009-10 season.

For the Wisconsin hockey team, it will mark the first appearance at Madison Square Garden in program history. However, a group of former Badgers have gone on to significant careers for the New York Rangers at the Garden, including current Rangers' captain Ryan McDonagh (2010-present) and assistant captain Derek Stepan (2010-present). Former Badger Mike Richter has his number retired in the MSG rafters from his spectacular NHL career (1988-2003) that included the 1994 Stanley Cup championship. Other Badgers who played for New York include Mike Blaisdell (1983-85), Bruce Driver 1995-98), Patrick Flatley (1996-97), Tony Granato (1988-90), Terry Kleisinger (1985-86), Brian Mullen (1987-91), Barry Richter (1995-96), Dean Talafous (1978-82) and Wayne Thomas (1977-81).

The inaugural "Super Saturday – College Hoops & Hockey" doubleheader will feature Penn State and Michigan in both basketball and hockey on Saturday at The Mecca. The basketball game will tip at 11 a.m. CT, while the hockey game will begin at 6 p.m. BTN will air both contests.

On Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, Minnesota will entertain the Buckeyes on the court, while Michigan State will host the Gophers on the ice. In 2019, Maryland will face Illinois in men's basketball. The 2019 hockey matchup, times for 2017 and 2018 and date and times for 2019 will be announced at a later date.

In Dec. 2014, the Big Ten announced an extensive agreement with Madison Square Garden to feature the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament in New York City for the first time in 2018, along with men's basketball and hockey doubleheaders from 2016 through 2019 and a significant branding presence both inside and outside the building.

About the Big Ten Conference: The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The broad-based programs of the 14 Big Ten institutions will provide over $200 million in direct financial support to more than 9,500 students for more than 11,000 participation opportunities on 350 teams in 42 different sports. The Big Ten sponsors 28 official conference sports, 14 for men and 14 for women, including the addition of men's ice hockey and men's and women's lacrosse since 2013. For more information, visit www.bigten.org.

About The Madison Square Garden Company: The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) is a world leader in live sports and entertainment with a portfolio of legendary sports teams, exclusive entertainment productions and celebrated venues. MSG Sports owns and operates some of the most widely recognized sports franchises: the New York Knicks (NBA), the New York Rangers (NHL) and the New York Liberty (WNBA), along with two development league teams -- the Westchester Knicks (NBADL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL). MSG Sports also presents a broad array of world-class sporting events, including: professional boxing, college basketball, tennis, bull riding and e-gaming events. MSG Entertainment features exclusive, original productions that include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the New York Spring Spectacular, both showcasing the Rockettes. MSG Entertainment also presents or hosts a wide variety of live entertainment offerings, including concerts, family shows and special events, in the Company's diverse collection of iconic venues. These venues are: New York's Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; the Forum in Inglewood, California; The Chicago Theatre; and the Wang Theatre in Boston. More information is available at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com.

this is honestly exactly what is wrong with Barry "I'm not a hockey guy" Alvarez.

This window dressing sort of circus show is ridiculous. no-one, but no-one cares about the Big 10 in NYC even for football so this is going to be a big flop. But beyond that the hockey team doesn't need MSG, it NEEDS WINNERS WITHIN THE COACHING STAFF AND ON THE ICE.

but let's go ahead and guess as to whether they'll even be able to sellout the inaugural. even if they do they'll quickly have to reduce the roundball to having Rutgers or Maryland in annually and since PSU is the closest in hockey they'll have to have them as an annual entrant just to try and get the place to 1/2 full

for god's sake they couldn't even fill up the bradley center any longer with hockey in a one and done tournament and they'd be doubtful to achieve that in more than a handful of games for men's basketball as well if they moved every game to the BC

wake up Darth Alvarez, bolster the homegrown and hometown fanbases first (and that means firing the coaching staff for hockey) then *maybe* think about an annual tournament though it would have made more sense to do a B10 vs. Hockey East tourney in Boston and Minneapolis on the hockey side and leave basketball out of it since it's so ****ing oversaturated as it is

 

[Slap Shot]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

Look at Jan all confident and proud of herself and the new click she's hanging with!

How cute.


She has no idea that she's still Jan though and it breaks my heart that realization will certainly set in at some point as one can put on a wig, but one cannot change who she is.

Don't feed...

 

[bucky15]

Re: Wisconsin Hockey XXXVI: Stop looking for the silver lining and ignoring the probl

this is honestly exactly what is wrong with Barry "I'm not a hockey guy" Alvarez.

This window dressing sort of circus show is ridiculous. no-one, but no-one cares about the Big 10 in NYC even for football so this is going to be a big flop. But beyond that the hockey team doesn't need MSG, it NEEDS WINNERS WITHIN THE COACHING STAFF AND ON THE ICE.

but let's go ahead and guess as to whether they'll even be able to sellout the inaugural. even if they do they'll quickly have to reduce the roundball to having Rutgers or Maryland in annually and since PSU is the closest in hockey they'll have to have them as an annual entrant just to try and get the place to 1/2 full

for god's sake they couldn't even fill up the bradley center any longer with hockey in a one and done tournament and they'd be doubtful to achieve that in more than a handful of games for men's basketball as well if they moved every game to the BC

wake up Darth Alvarez, bolster the homegrown and hometown fanbases first (and that means firing the coaching staff for hockey) then *maybe* think about an annual tournament though it would have made more sense to do a B10 vs. Hockey East tourney in Boston and Minneapolis on the hockey side and leave basketball out of it since it's so ****ing oversaturated as it is

I would imagine this has more to do with justifying having the B1G network in the NYC market. Having the cable providers in the NYC market force the B1G network through there packages has made the B1G schools a lot of money. I believe getting the NYC market on board gives the B1G around 15-20 mil more a year through the TV contracts.

I doubt attendance matters that much for these events. This is a made for TV event.