Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

Maybe Bo or Alveraz....better make it Bo since Alvarez could care less about hockey....can ask coach Cal this weekend who he had take the ACT for Derrick Rose?

Something... because if we knew how to pull that off we wouldn't have a new FB coach and perhaps Diamond Stone would be a Badger.

One thing I'm fairly sure of is that Badger Bob didn't have to deal with these kinds of issues...

 

[WiscTJK]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

Something... because if we knew how to pull that off we wouldn't have a new FB coach and perhaps Diamond Stone would be a Badger.

One thing I'm fairly sure of is that Badger Bob didn't have to deal with these kinds of issues...

Ha ha, you turn this into another excuse for our excuse of a coach. Nice try. I am really looking forward to another year or two of excuses from you as he completely runs the program into the ground......

 

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

Ha ha, you turn this into another excuse for our excuse of a coach. Nice try. I am really looking forward to another year or two of excuses from you as he completely runs the program into the ground......

That's hardly the point, but if it makes you feel better, Powless and Cofield didn't have to deal with it either and they were terrible. Of course BB didn't enjoy the kind of fan and alumni "support" that Hockey did. But it was a different time. Heck my high school broke just about every recruiting rule there is now getting 14 year olds to come in, but it was looked on a little differently then. And I suppose it was a relatively level playing field in that most anyone could get away with a lot if they had the support.

On the other hand if you think admission policy and NCAA rules have no effect on all UW sports, your head is in the sand. The actual extent of it in any given situation remains unknown though, as it obviously it isn't specifically made public, except through the rumor mill. But it certainly exists as a substantial factor in UW athletics across the board.

 

[markwojo]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

Something... because if we knew how to pull that off we wouldn't have a new FB coach and perhaps Diamond Stone would be a Badger.

One thing I'm fairly sure of is that Badger Bob didn't have to deal with these kinds of issues...

Nice McBadger....you should change your handle to Baghdad Badger Bob with your exuberance in spite of reality.

Let me try to take away the crutch/excuse of academics at UW in regards to hockey. Since the last frozen four appearance in 2010, Eaves has led his Badgers into the tournament a grand total of twice (incidentally in that frozen four....they lost to BC which happens to be a pretty prestigious academic school) and not won a single game in the tournament. In that same time frame, really good academic schools of BC, Union, & Yale have won national titles. Notre Dame has made the tourney 3 times and won 2 games. BC 5 appearances and a title. Denver 4 appearances and a couple wins. Union 4 appearance, 7 wins, and a title. Quinnipiac 3 appearances 3 wins. Providence 2 appearances and won 3 games. Yale 3 appearances, 5 wins, and a title. Boston U 2 appearances with a couple wins and still alive this year. Cornell 2 appearances with a win. I only focused on schools that trend toward very good to excellent reputations academically (I'll admit I may over estimate a school or two on the list....but would argue almost all are on par or tougher to gain admission into then UW). If you are looking through that list and finding schools that should be on a similar plain as UW based on hockey tradition (pros developed/fan support/national titles/winning/etc), facilities, budget....the only ones that are even in the conversation are BC & Denver. Being outperformed by lots of really good academic schools with little or no hockey tradition & way less advantages (resources/exposure/facilities) is an embarrassment to the legacy Badger Bob built.

 

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

First of all, the comment was made because of something I read recently about, I guess I'll term it "flexibility" in regards to athletics in the 70's and early 80's that was specifically about the UW hockey program but it certainly applies NCAA wide during that time. Additionally, I have first hand knowledge of certain events during parts of that time period which I won't comment on just to make an internet point.

Second, most of the schools you list are private institutions, and without referencing which ones do or don't, they can choose to admit or deny anyone they want. DU's admission policy specifically takes a "holistic approach" for example. You think if a player like Kunin ends up not getting in to UW, (and gets his NLI voided in time) he wouldn't show up at one of those or other top hockey schools?

Third, it's not an excuse. It is a fact of doing business today. It's a fact there are a number of D-1 players that are not eligible to play at UW. But give it whatever weight you want to assign it, I don't care. I didn't comment on how much of a factor it is in hockey, simply that it exists. I have no idea if it factored into 5 or 50 decisions in the past. It is being reported as a factor in this particular instance, it has probably been a factor in at least some others. Regardless though, it's simply a comment on a difference in the times, not on whether a program can or can't win because of it.

 

[markwojo]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

First of all, the comment was made because of something I read recently about, I guess I'll term it "flexibility" in regards to athletics in the 70's and early 80's that was specifically about the UW hockey program but it certainly applies NCAA wide during that time. Additionally, I have first hand knowledge of certain events during parts of that time period which I won't comment on just to make an internet point.

Second, most of the schools you list are private institutions, and without referencing which ones do or don't, they can choose to admit or deny anyone they want. DU's admission policy specifically takes a "holistic approach" for example. You think if a player like Kunin ends up not getting in to UW, (and gets his NLI voided in time) he wouldn't show up at one of those or other top hockey schools?

Third, it's not an excuse. It is a fact of doing business today. It's a fact there are a number of D-1 players that are not eligible to play at UW. But give it whatever weight you want to assign it, I don't care. I didn't comment on how much of a factor it is in hockey, simply that it exists. I have no idea if it factored into 5 or 50 decisions in the past. It is being reported as a factor in this particular instance, it has probably been a factor in at least some others. Regardless though, it's simply a comment on a difference in the times, not on whether a program can or can't win because of it.

In every sport at every school, there is a percentage of the pool of potential athletes that they can not recruit for a variety of reasons (academics being just one). What I do know, is kids UW should have an advantage in recruiting over many/most schools that could have helped avoid a 4 win season and/or turn things around quicker are not coming either. Losing Boesser (kid with family ties to the school and community), Sheehy would have loved an offer at one point, 4 kids from Wisconsin playing in the World Juniors w/o a single one at UW....all examples of kids UW should have a strong pull for that aren't here.

 

[WiscDC]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

How come I only ever hear about ACT scores? He should try taking the SAT. Seriously. I hated the ACT the one time I took it, and I easily did better on the SAT both times I took it.

 

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

4 kids from Wisconsin playing in the World Juniors

I'm drawing a blank... N. Schmaltz, McCoshen, Butcher and ...?

I hated the ACT the one time I took it,

There goes the plan of having you disguise yourself as Luke Kunin...

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

On the other hand if you think admission policy and NCAA rules have no effect on all UW sports, your head is in the sand. The actual extent of it in any given situation remains unknown though, as it obviously it isn't specifically made public, except through the rumor mill. But it certainly exists as a substantial factor in UW athletics across the board.

Mark Johnson lost a blue chippah to not being able to get into school just this year. Kunin's deal is sucky, but hopefully he can pass it one of these times or not accelerate, retake next year and come in with the next class. I love the fact he's wears the C on an all star team.

I like way way Tiscke sounds, a solid all around D who plays special teams and has good size 6-1; 213. UW really needs a dynamic playmaking D, but it looks like none is on the way. Schulz seems like he could get close to that point, he did some McCabe type things last year on the rush.

Sounds like Berkovitz is a total wiff, UW just can't afford those right now.

 

[WiscTJK]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

Andy,

Are there any options out there if Kunin can't make it into school at UW?

 

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

Mark Johnson lost a blue chippah to not being able to get into school just this year. Kunin's deal is sucky, but hopefully he can pass it one of these times or not accelerate, retake next year and come in with the next class. I love the fact he's wears the C on an all star team.

I like way way Tiscke sounds, a solid all around D who plays special teams and has good size 6-1; 213. UW really needs a dynamic playmaking D, but it looks like none is on the way. Schulz seems like he could get close to that point, he did some McCabe type things last year on the rush.

Sounds like Berkovitz is a total wiff, UW just can't afford those right now.

I think it's possible Schulz breaks out next year. It seems to me he spent 3/4's of the season or more playing center field for his D partner. Dougherty and Linhart were both improved defensively a bit by the end, so hopefully they continue in that trend and maybe Schulz is relieved of a little responsibility. God bless Chase Drake, but I don't really see his skates being very hard to fill or upgrade.

Andy,

Are there any options out there if Kunin can't make it into school at UW?

Presumably UW still has Boeser and Ford's scholarships to fill as well. Perhaps some of these things will shake out over the next month or so as the various seasons wrap up. Development team still has the World tournament to play in April, so if there's any chance for a signing from there it might be after that yet.

 

[markwojo]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

I'm drawing a blank... N. Schmaltz, McCoshen, Butcher and ...?

Opps, my bad....it only being 3 makes it so much better. We should get Eaves on a contract extension.

 

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

Opps, my bad....it only being 3 makes it so much better. We should get Eaves on a contract extension.

Whoa, hold on there. Can't mountain climb back on the Eaves pony wagon just like that. You have to go out and bale some fish and put them in the barn first.

And sorry. Wasn't sniping, I actually thought maybe there was someone else that was escaping me. It happens. College life in the early 80's was a little hard on my brain.

 

[Chuck Schwartz]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

Andy,

Are there any options out there if Kunin can't make it into school at UW?

Impact players? No. Tkachuk and Matthews are long shots. I think the more likely scenario would be the staff recruiting a committed player that hasn't signed a letter of intent at this point. But that's just speculation, no facts.

Mark Johnson lost a blue chippah to not being able to get into school just this year. Kunin's deal is sucky, but hopefully he can pass it one of these times or not accelerate, retake next year and come in with the next class. I love the fact he's wears the C on an all star team.

I like way way Tiscke sounds, a solid all around D who plays special teams and has good size 6-1; 213. UW really needs a dynamic playmaking D, but it looks like none is on the way. Schulz seems like he could get close to that point, he did some McCabe type things last year on the rush.

Sounds like Berkovitz is a total wiff, UW just can't afford those right now.

I wouldn't call Berkovitz a total whiff just yet. He's just had a poor year. He needs to go back and play another full, healthy year in the USHL. He's a talented player, but never had to deal with any adversity in hockey. He's finally dealing with some and needs to learn how to survive and advance. Hopefully he figures it out.

Obviously the hope is that Kunin can figure his stuff out and make it into school this go around, but like you mention, if he doesn't, that doesn't necessarily mean he's done with Wisconsin. Could easily go to the USHL and work on improving his scores next year (and it probably will help his development, since he's a late 97). From what I know he has pretty good grades, so it shouldn't be that hard to get an ACT score that is acceptable. But we'll see.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

Obviously the hope is that Kunin can figure his stuff out and make it into school this go around, but like you mention, if he doesn't, that doesn't necessarily mean he's done with Wisconsin. Could easily go to the USHL and work on improving his scores next year (and it probably will help his development, since he's a late 97). From what I know he has pretty good grades, so it shouldn't be that hard to get an ACT score that is acceptable. But we'll see.

If Kunin and Berkovitz not coming to UW next year improves their development, I'm all for having them play in the USHL next year. Let's get more bugs out of their system before they put on the Cardinal and White jersey (it's not a sweater!).

 

[Chuck Schwartz]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

If Kunin and Berkovitz not coming to UW next year improves their development, I'm all for having them play in the USHL next year. Let's get more bugs out of their system before they put on the Cardinal and White jersey (it's not a sweater!).

Theoretically, any player would be better served developmentally by leaving them in the USHL for another season. Matthew Freytag needs another year in the USHL, but he'll likely have to be brought in because there aren't better options. Wisconsin has been trending in the wrong direction with this issue, and it's a major concern. Cameron Hughes should have been playing in the AJHL this season instead of in Madison. But Wisconsin was forced to take him early because the coaching staff did such a half-assed job recruiting a forward class for 2014-15. If you remember, Ryan Wagner originally committed for 2015-16 but was forced in a year early as well. So when these kids get bumped up, it bumps up guys like Freytag.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

Theoretically, any player would be better served developmentally by leaving them in the USHL for another season. Matthew Freytag needs another year in the USHL, but he'll likely have to be brought in because there aren't better options. Wisconsin has been trending in the wrong direction with this issue, and it's a major concern. Cameron Hughes should have been playing in the AJHL this season instead of in Madison. But Wisconsin was forced to take him early because the coaching staff did such a half-assed job recruiting a forward class for 2014-15. If you remember, Ryan Wagner originally committed for 2015-16 but was forced in a year early as well. So when these kids get bumped up, it bumps up guys like Freytag.

This seems to be the Achilles heel of UW's recruiting, bringing in guys a year too soon, hence UW's freshmen are not really equal to freshmen of other schools.

 

[solovsfett]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

The news on Kunin, the Dvorak decommit, the Boeser decommit, the need to bring players in early on a more frequent basis, this is all terrible news.

Not only does it show just how ****ing myopic Mike Eaves is, it shows he cannot adjust and it also ruins the development of the players. I mean let's get serious, more often than not bringing a kid in early does in fact arrest their development a bit (yeah, sorry for the pun).

What this is telling me (yeah, mr. pessimist) is Mike Eaves is grounding this program while Barry Alvarez sits there stroking Bo Ryan and Paul Chryst completely oblivious to the destruction of the once proud Wisconsin Men's hockey team.

I can't even express how ****ing ****ed off I am at this situation. I want Eaves and Alvarez sent packing immediately. Ship them to the moon, whatever, I don't care where they end up as long as the result is a new Men's Hockey coach that will begin the rebuilding process.

And let's not kid ourselves about that (i'm looking at you mr. eaves apologist mcbadgerton), it IS a rebuilding process that needs to take place and IF Eaves stays that's inexcusable. There should never be a rebuilding process 13 years into your stint as coach. If there is, it means you've ****ed up royally.

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You just wonder what a guy like Grant Standbrook or Bill Howard think about the state of the program now. What about Brian Rafalski? Tony Granato? Scott Mellanby? Heater? Reinprecht? Burish? They'd probably never state their opinions publicly but **** it would be great if they could put pressure on the AD to get things righted.

 

[icebadger]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

How come I only ever hear about ACT scores? He should try taking the SAT. Seriously. I hated the ACT the one time I took it, and I easily did better on the SAT both times I took it.

There goes the plan of having you disguise yourself as Luke Kunin...

I'll do it. I took it an extra time in HS just to see if I could ace it (not quite). Should I try to do well, but not too well, so as to not be too suspicious?

 

[Chuck Schwartz]

Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXX: 1 All American at a Time

The news on Kunin, the Dvorak decommit, the Boeser decommit, the need to bring players in early on a more frequent basis, this is all terrible news.

Let's pump the brakes just a bit. Nothing is official on Kunin one way or another. If it were dire straights he'd be decommitted by now. If he doesn't end up getting in, then that's not really on the coaching staff.