He was teasing Shyiak, it all had to do with something Shyiak told him earlier about UAF's coach, and Kurt saying he wouldn't want to go to Vegas with Dave.
It was an innocent enough remark, I thought, he didn't mean it in a mean spirited way, that's not Haider. I think the AD is blowing this out of proportion.
certainly sounds like it... alaska aka uaf hockey banquet WITHOUT doc "yoda" castillo will go on tonight....a great read in the fairbanks paper about a blowup between the ex coach and a newspaper reporter at last weeknds ice dogs game....
bottom line....something very bad happened...coach resigned and is in denver with job interview(s) already...
Told an HR issue/he was put on administrative leave and banned from campus...of course the university will never tell all because of confidentiality and greedom of rights acts...
kinda like tavis, i think coach didnt leave totally on his own free will...
players are happy...hated the guy.. just look at the defections...
nanook hockey like life after talafous at uaa will go on....
Congrats to Jeff Jackson at NotreDame...Took a Horrible team that won only 5 games and in 3 years took them to the National Championship...Great Coaches turn things around quickly..Also won the Championship at Lake Superior (Hellhole)State.. What a Fricken Stud..Davis Payne same thing...his was overnight although Pros is a different Animal..Next Year for UAA is a must for dramatical Improvement... Theres no question Jackson sets the bar!!!!!Congratulations NotreDame were jealous as hell!!!
I haven't read the ADN for the past couple of days- but I agree, Kurt is a class act all the way!
I'm the one who loves listening to him so much that I panic at the thought of him ever going anywhere else. LOL!!
Can I drift on to another topic for one second? I read the comments on the prior thread regarding the on again/off again arena plans.
The last thing I read in the paper was a letter from Arliss Sturgulwski on March 14 talking about why UAA needs a new arena - and more recently, I heard on KUDO radio that Rep. Kevin Meyer (Fairbanks) was pushing for including $15 mil in the capital budget to get the ball rolling as soon as possible on the design and planning of it.
I lived in Fairbanks briefly a few years ago, but I'm not overly familiar with Rep. Meyer.
Still.. I was ecstatic to read that someone in Juneau was actually looking out for the UAA facility!
I e-mailed him this past Friday and I told him that as a UAA hockey fan, I was thrilled to see that he was pushing to include money in the budget so that we can go ahead with planning of a new sports arena and asked him what the status of his request is.
I was hoping that maybe I'd hear from him this coming week, but he responded TONIGHT - Sunday PM with this message: ----------------
Thanks for the support! I’m excited about it as well. I pushed to include $15,000,000 in the capital budget so they could design the facility and get started on breaking ground as soon as possible. They really do need a better facility and I was happy to help.
Thanks again for the support,
Kevin Meyer ----------------
p.s. Does anyone know when the final state budget is due to be released?
I'm glad that Rep. Meyer asked for 15x the amount we originally asked for in design and planning funds! ;o)
larissa (can't get my Google account to work! >:-( *&^$@) ..o'well.
Larissa, The bill with the $15M for the O.C.F.F.E.E.H (on-campus facility for everything except hockey) is sitting on Palin's desk waiting to be signed or vetoed.
When he Aaron was interviewing him on KUDO radio.. he told listeners that the facility the $15"start up" money would be both for the hockey arena as well as new basketball facility.
I only caught part of that show today, but the UAA sports arena was talked about quite a bit. Aaron said he talked to Mr. Meyer about the 15m and that he said part of it would be to get the on-campus hockey arena moving, and part of ot would be the basketball courts.
Aaron was ticked about the location of the courts that they had given him... but I tuned in late and didn't catch that part.
Yeah.. I do hope Palin doesn't take her red pen out and wipe that off the budget again. Meyer believes he's given all the right answers to her and feels pretty positive.
We'll see! :o)
Thanks DD. I know nothing about Kevin Meyer, but it was nice of him to respond back! And hey... if you think about it.. it was also REALLY nice of him to come on local lefty radio to discuss the UAA sports complex/arena. :P LOL!
Anon at 9:23: The $15 million is not for the arena. He listed all the items the money was needed just to get to the point where they're ready to break ground, and somehow he came up with that figure for "planning and start up"
The actual cost for building the centers hasn't been released as far as I've seen.. I think Rasmuson will be stepping in at some point if it doesn't get line item vetoed. ;-)
I asked one of the players at the Banquet if they had heard any updates on Matt. He said that he thinks he's seeing better, but doesn't know if he'll be playing hockey again or not.
Such a shame, I wish him the best and hope to see him in a Seawolf jersey next season.
Does anybody else notice that we seem to be recruiting for skill and speed. I am excited about this. Aiken should work well complimenting another speedster, Clark. I have been wondering why we don't go for more speed and skill with the big sheet at the Sully. I think Dave has figured that out and is finally implementing the plan.
Skill and speed. This kid didn't even score 50 points in junior this past season as a 3 year 20 year old. This is far from a blue chip offensive prospect
I was actually trying to illustrate something that I forgot to mention. The fact that they are small and fast rather than making size such a huge priority. It seems like a means to open up the game and move away from the dump the puck and cycle that everyone seems to hate so much. No, he is not a blue-chip prospect. He was on an offensively impaired team and was second in scoring. Not to mention that at one point the rumors have it that North Dakota and Wisco were looking at him. He has talent has been on an offensively starved team, and maybe hasn't lived totally up to what was expected of him. Still a good recruit and will fit into a more of a skating style of play that should be coming from our team. So, please don't come back and gripe about it when they do skate more and not just throw pucks in and grind away.
Read the BCHL message boards, and the fans were high on Aiken. He sounds like a play maker, and see's the ice well. UAA has been recruiting big players, nothing wrong with bringing a small, fast spark plug. I think he'll fit in nicely.
If you look at the numbers of some of the other recruits around the league, they don't look that "skilled" on paper either.
CC is bringing in forwards who scored 8, 12, 12, and 18 goals. Aikens numbers are better.
DU picked up a winger with 4-7-11 in 44 games, and another forward with 9-5-14 in 49 games.
The Gophers have guys with 10 goals in 34 games, 10 goals in 56 games, and 13 goals in 55 games.
How about UND's Toew's with 2-7-9 in 47 games?
See a pattern here? A player can't always be judged by his numbers on a stat sheet. There are too many other factors that play into the equation.
I for one am thrilled to see a kid who can turn on the jets, it should add some excitement and scoring opportunities to the game.
Fri, Oct 10- Kendall Hockey Classic Sat, Oct 11- Kendall Hockey Classic feat. Connecticut, Northeastern and Alaska Fairbanks.
Fri, Oct 31 @ Michigan Tech Sat, Nov 01 @ Michigan Tech -Hall Of Game * Fri, Jan 23 Michigan Tech Sat, Jan 24 Michigan Tech Fri, Feb 6 Saint Cloud State Sat, Feb 7 Saint Cloud State
March 13-15 WCHA 1st round
All of this was found at http://www.michigantechhuskies.com/ http://www.sctimes.com/
Also found was new plans for the Seawolves Athletic Facility, look on goseawolves.com for the new changes
I don't like this at all since it doesn't include hockey. I notice under the "locker room" section, the last item in the list is for "future programs". What does that mean?
All the hype and talk about a rink and it surfaces that the rink is in future developement. What a shot to the hockey program. It is an embarrassment that the D. 1 hockey program is put secondary to GNAC basketball and D.2 athletics. All the hype and work of some die hard hockey fans to promote a project that really never was to help hockey. What a joke.
Here's a pre-Heisenberg addition for UAA. Jade Portwood from the Brooks Bandits in the AJHL to attend UAA this fall. He is 6'3" 200lbs with 14g and 26a and 93 penalty minutes in 60 games.
This was announced yesterday by the Brooks Bandits.
the source of all hockey knowledge is at it again. nice scoop Donald. Not a big point scorer, kinda like whe Glencross came from the Bandits. Now if he can produce like 82, we'll be very happy.
Yeah I had no idea about the Bailey. He just turned 17 so I'm figuring he is a 10/11 kid. He's already pretty big at 6'1" 184lbs and didn't have bad numbers 14g/15a in 60 games.
It will be interesting to watch him develop over the next couple of years. Maybe if he takes a BIG step next year he can come in as an 18 year old? But that's a pretty tall order I think. I wonder if he'll play somewhere other than the MJHL next year? That'll be interesting to see as well.
I talked to Josh Lunden today about Matthew Gordon, he says that he really hasn't spoken to him much but his vision is improving, not close to what it was yet, but that he has been cleared to resume skating. Not much in the way of news, but it sounds like he is recovering albeit slowly.
The USHL showcase camps are by invitation which means that USHL scouting wants to see him (and the hundreds of other kids invited) to see what he can do prior to their draft on May 14th. If he did well enough in camp (it was last week) then somebody will draft him and that team will own his rights. The teams don't fill their rosters with draft picks necessarily though usually almost all drafted players make the teams which are then filled out with players that go through the usual tryout process in the fall.
For example last year Gustav Bengtson was drafted by Cedar Rapids and made the team. But after 20 or so games he wasn't breaking into the lineup very often so he went to Texas in the NAHL.
Actually, The Fairbanks Tournament is called the “Alaska Goal Rush” and will be partly sponsored by Brice Inc. Brice Inc. is a local construction/environmental remediation company that has been supporting Fairbanks hockey for years.
It also has three ex-Nanook goaltenders on payroll...Alba Brice, Todd Henderson, and Preston McKay (insert witty comment here). And Nanook fans thank Brice Inc. for their support.
first virg foss and then the papers in minneapolis are talking UAA out of the WCHA or looking for other options. Is there any facts or truth to these rumours.
They are just that - rumors. I will say this, if UAA doesn't get their new arena, if they don't start filling up their own barn, and if they don't start having a few winning seasons, I can see them being forced out.
It's good that Shyiak has them headed in the right direction.
For now I'll leave the "if they don't" ... "they'll be forced out" comment only so I can dispell it for the final time. Such unreasoned comments will be deleted in the future.
NOBODY is going to force UAA out of the WCHA. No matter how many times they finish last, how long it takes to get a new arena or how many people show up at the rink.
Here's why. Every team in the WCHA benefits financially from UAA's inclusion. EVERY team that plays up here gets a schedule exemption which they use to schedule home games. Those gates from those games is PURE BONUS for the member schools that they would otherwise not have. A reasonable estimate of the additional income from those games would range up to 100,000 dollars depending on rink/ticket prices etc.
In addition, the historical subsidy that UAA once provided (it began a phasing out process in 2002) give the school CLOUT. If an AD at another school had enough balls to suggest a move to exclude UAA then Cobb just has to come back with "WHAT?? We paid for your team to come up here for more than a decade and you get extra gates and you've got the balls to suggest we be forced out?"
You see? It ain't gonna happen. No matter how much stupid RUBES suggest it because they want to see another Minnesota school in the WCHA.
It is MUCH MORE LIKELY that Minnesota and Wisconsin will leave the WCHA for a Big Ten Hockey Conference than it is that UAA will voluntarily leave the WCHA or be forced out.
Suggesting otherwise is some sort of queer wishful thinking. That is the bottom line.
From this point on. I will delete any comments that refer to this ongoing stupid rumor.
Donald, UAA is still paying the airfare for other schools, it has not been phased out, this came from someone high up in the program.
I was told UAA bought 20 tickets for the Gophers this year. Wisconsin is one school who is putting up a fight for UAA to continue to pay their airfare.
Donald..I wouldnt delete any thing out regarding the UAA exodus constant Rumor...Your Awnser is outstanding,truthful,accurate and fully makes sense..the one thing with Hockey rumors in Smallville is you have to constantly reput them or they gain legs... so as a tireless advocate of the program and having privy to some excellent info your timely REBUTTAL is much better than ignoring it as unfortunately rumors can become perception and a constant reminder of the facts is by far the best way to shut up the constant ASSHOLES..is .. yes you guessed it.. with FACTS...LUV seeing you fired up in MAY...I remind you Hockey is a DISEASE!!!!LOL
Suze, It was announced in 2002 that the league had agreed to phase out the subsidy. I've seen documentation from that year (I googled it and found it 3 or 4 days ago) confirming that. PJ Hill was "recognized" for working with the WCHA to phase it out and for the savings that the agreement led to.
I don't really want to bother Cobb with it right now but I promise to get the EXACT story before the season begins and post it (with references).
UNFRIKENBELIEVABLE HORRIFIC OPINION COLUM under my view in the News today...were Screwed??? The new Sports Complex refined by UAA would house all competive sports BUT ICE HOCKEY..ARE YOU KIDDEN ME??? UAA has proven they cant compete with the ACES AT ANYTHING under the current regime..And now were goin to go with this STATEMENT.. "The University hopes to work a deal later with the City for a joint facility for hockey..perhaps off campus" Hey Brain Surgeons why dont you put a refrigeration unit in the facility you could realisticly still hold hockey in there since we really struggle to get an honest 2500 fans Aanyway ..you could hold Highschool Hockey State championships there as there is no good medium size venue and a Host of other events when it isnt being used and then when the NEW (ABSOLUTE Complete Bullshit) MUNI OF ANCHORAGE Joint FANTASY facility gets built we can move there if the program is capable of Drawing more than 3500.(AND RIGHT NOW EVERYTHING IS AN IF).ALTHOUGH I know the cost of a refrigeration unit and Boards may put a 40 million ARENA over budget.???..WHO IN THE HELL IS WATCHING OUT FOR THE SEAWOLF HOCKEY PROGRAM..ITS TOUGH NOT TO BE REALLY PISSED AFTER READING THAT Article IN THE PAPER...MORE BULLSHIT!!!!!!Hockey has to be included for any ON CAMPUS Facility especially one that truly fits the needs and current interest of the Hockey program.....BE REAL!!! WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE GLORY YEARS UAA avg HONEST attendance over the last 30 years has been under 3500..I dont care what inflated stat THEY use..Can you imagine the atmosphere of 3500 sceaming Hockey FANS..PEOPLE YOUR CRAZY WANTING SOME HUGE STADIUM THAT WILL LOOK LIKE NOBODY IS IN IT..WE DONT HAVE ANYTHING IN PLACE TO REALISTICLY BE ABLE TO FILL EVEN THE SULLY FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS...WHEN WE DO AND THE PROGRAM IS WINNING THEN YOU UPGRADE TO THE "MUNI FANTASY ARENA"....FOR NOW Put the GODDAMM Ice in the on Campus Facility and work on rebuilding the shattered HOCKEY program ...
Next seasons schedule was released...2 preseasons with US U-18 team and then U-BC next trial by fire at the Kendall with Northeastern and UConn then the UAF tourney has Mercyhurst and Maine before opening at home with Duluth....second half looks easier than usual though....
AnonMay71102: There's nothing wrong with being frustrated. However allow me to suggest that patience is the only reasonable state of mind at this point in the programs history. Shyiak is coming into his 4th year. That is a watershed event in some respects. He'll have "his" players and they'll be playing "his" game. Everything he has done before this year has been a lead in to this coming season.
Take the next two seasons to begin to make your judgements as to the programs potential for success. It takes a lot of work and stability to succeed in the most difficult league in college hockey and stability hasn't exactly been a hallmark with 4 years of Talafous and 3 years of Hill preceeding the Shyiak era. And both of his predecessors left under less than quality circumstances. Shyiak has made few if any big missteps so far in his regime. That isn't to say there isn't room for criticism but I believe that criticism needs to be taken with care and be very very accurate if it is given.
Shyiak is building a team that will have to play as a team. These guys will have to come together and enjoy playing together. There is both size and speed in the lineup. There is probably as much skill and talent as has EVER worn the green and gold. And they already showed me (this past season) that they are capable of doing so with a bounce here and there.
Hang in there. Things seem to be going in the right direction. If after the next two seasons we haven't seen indications of success (final five and ncaa playoffs) then the more critical evaluations can begin. Until then it simply wouldn't be fair. That is just the reality of what it takes.
This isn't professional sports. There are unfortunate political realities that created the shitty situation with the proposed arena. I don't like it. But there is no "ownership" to put pressure on the city for a new arena. There is only the reality that the school is wholly dependent on public funding in a state with a notoriously tight fist. We voted these tight fisted bastids in over and over for the last 50 years. And even now when there is 40+ billion in the savings account and the state has 4 billion in revenue to spend this year. They aren't doing it. They put a billion into their constitutional reserve fund. That's a savings account that will help guarantee that state government can continue operating regardless of future revenue streams. See what they think is important? It isn't education and infrastructure. I point this all out because THEY deserve the blame.
Not the university or any of it's agents; they are doing the best they can in a difficult situation. They have no real clout ya know?
All that said ... there is "noise" which could indicate a positive arena outcome in time (including locating such on-campus). How much time? I really don't know. But again, all we can really do is hope and have faith that behind the scenes things are progressing to that positive outcome. I'm personally not happy with the delay and the less than sure outcome.
If a arena is built on campus put The DAMM ice in it ...the chances of two on campus facilitys are slim..Im agreeing that the program is headed in the right Direction..lets face it Shyiaks and staff have brought in some great kids..Very few mistakes as far as personel and character so far, nokids leavin,Grades are good nothing to stupid off the ice I Say an 7 or 8 on the recruiting Meter (to be determined) ...But this Rink Thing is a Monster as far as an ultra positive and I feel like most that all the off ice Politics, Marketing,and Direction in all areas of the team could be massively improved with a Couple of guys in the dept SOLE JOB to handle Everything Hockey ..There is just to much to do and so much money involved for the entire Athletic department that some major Changes would at least get some excitement to build on as far as the off ice stuff..
If anyone is paying attention ... Dusan Sidor (goalie) from the Alaska Avalanche rescinded his verbal to DIII Wisconsin Stevens Point on May 5th and committed to UAA.
MEg: Christ only knows. Donna insists I should only go to the Final Five when UAA makes it. In that case, hopefully next year. Getting into the Final Five isn't a sure thing for any team but since UAA has only been in once I'm considering just making a regular road trip though my choice for a road trip would be Minnesota or DU.
We watched Sidor play during their playoffs, and he was pretty solid. The Avs didn't have the best team or the best defense, so of course that certainly plays into his stats.
Should be interesting next year. When was the last time UAA had three recruited goalies on the roster?
Has anyone looked at the vetoes on the new capital budget?
I scrolled down to the $15 million requested for the UAA Sports Center planning, and it appears the Governor didn't veto it this time.
I realize there was talks of not including the new ice arena in the initial planning, but if the planning and preperation can at least begin on a new sports center, the liklihood of the new ice arena can't be far behind.
If anyone else has looked at the budget, can you tell me if I'm reading this right? Looks like the $15 million was approved to me.
To Anons comment of the Goaltending being the weak link of the team??..I think every one knows that 9 (1) goal GAMES or less in Seawolf scoring in the second half testifys to the weak link of the team..Is the Goaltending a question mark..Yes...but You cant grade anybody but Johhny O because both the other two guys havn't had the opportunity yet. Bryce (4) games and 1/2 a season and Sidor (0) games and just signed?? Until this year all are still under Classmen on the three time last place team in the WCHA except J.O.
JUST CRYIN OVER THE ARENA DEAL.Flagship Sport 80 friken million and they cant put an ice machine in for what another million.I Dont understand why.Some boosters feel betrayed that there never was a plan to build this particular Arena ever for hockey. If thats true then just nothing but more negative feelings and misunderstandings..I think this deal is going to simmer,then boil,untill something is announced in regards to the facility issue for Hockey. Lets treat Hockey like the flagship sport foronce
Here's all I can do. I promise to talk with Steve Cobb before Sep 1st and obviously I'll ask lots of questions about a new hockey arena. I'll dedicate a post to the subject in late August.
I can confirm that Mayo won't be on the roster next season.
I'd hope we all remember that college hockey is all about guys like Aaron. He had to know going into last season that there was little chance he'd play but probably hoped otherwise. Yet the kid (and all the bubble players like him all over D1) played an important role in practice and was valued by his teammates and the program for that contribution.
heard clark is going to washington capitals summer camp and lunden is heading to phoenix coyotes summer camp... good for those two. looks bright for the two who have been playing and living together for close to 2 years now.
Just perusing your blog and was hoping someone could fill me in on the state and politics of the Sullivan Arena where the Seawolves play. Is this a good place for a young hockey player to hang his hat for four years? Are there plans to build a new facility on campus? Does the community support the hockey team, or are they waiting for a winner? Thanks.
Is this a good place for a young hockey player to hang his hat for four years?
It definitely is. The better a young hockey player deals with travel aspect of playing hockey the more he'll succeed here. If he doesn't dig planes and sometimes they affect his performance; then Anchorage will be a tough gig for him. As for the other aspects ... it's Alaska. There is tons of cool stuff to do when you aren't playing hockey. Hockey players that like hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities will love it here. Fish you catch in other states are used for bait here.
Are there plans to build a new facility on campus? Does the community support the hockey team, or are they waiting for a winner? Thanks.
The hope of a hockey arena on campus is in limbo currently. Sullivan Arena is 25+ years old but is a functional rink. Over the last few years a typical largest crowd of the season will be well over 5,000 but other games have drawn only 3,000 (average was 3654) and was 20th overall in average attendance out of all 59 schools. It'll sell out regularly if the Seawolves would win regularly. Sully won't win any architectural awards. The ice is always good. There is some talk about the local ECHL team and UAA combining somehow to build a hockey arena together but that's all preliminary. A separate on-campus hockey arena was in the schools plans but they dropped the hockey arena and are building a new facility for all the other teams to share. There'll likely be some expansion to the practice facilities including new better and more equipment when the new non-hockey facility is finished.
It's a bandwagon sports town and with a good performing ECHL team competing for hockey fan dollar (between the two teams there could be 10 games in two weeks to choose from) but it does like hockey enough that if both teams were winning that the Sully would be full for both. So yeah ... I think Anchorage is a hockey town.
At some point there'll be a new arena. Where and when? I dunno ...
Thanks for the information. My boy is headed your way in August to play for the Seawolves, and we're as excited as hell he's going to an American state where hockey appears almost as important as it is here in Canada.
No on Clark and Lunden. Hundreds of college players will go to one or another of these NHL summer development camps and they all pay their own way. There is no eligibility issue.
As for coming back there is every reason to expect they'll both be back. If both of them have good camps and come back and kick some serious ass this coming season (20+ goals) and UAA gets some national press ... then you might see some more camp invitations and who knows? But not this year. They've both got more to prove at this level first before a real opportunity is likely to come along.
one more year and they both can make the jump, the seawolves just have to have a good year and get out of the basement. i can definately see those two been the the next to since glencross. there chemistry together is great to watch.
It isn't like "other offers" is any sort of reasonable prospect. Having played a year for an NCAA team the only "other offer" anyone is likely to receive would be from another NCAA team. And that would be against the rules.
The only likely scenario would be that a player found himself in a situation he didn't like and wanted to transfer. If that was the case then he'd ask for permission to talk to other schools and if they were interested then he'd apply for a transfer.
So ... since the "rumor" as stated is that they have "other offers" then I'd label it as complete nonsense.
I wasn't (and I doubt Suze was) thinking of Mayo in the same terms as a "regular" player. The kid was a local walk on practice goalie who'd had no guarantee of earning any playing time. Not that I take anything away from him because I truly respect guys like him. But that said, I suppose I didn't think of him in the same light as other "regular" players. I suppose the same could be said for Jeremy Smith ... if he doesn't turn up on the roster it wouldn't surprise me (last year was his 1st year but he wasn't a freshman). And it's always (and as Suze would stipulate) "possible" that some players personal circumstances lead to him not returning.
So with all that ... was there really something that you wanted to accomplish with that comment other than to somehow "needle" Suze? Not that she can't handle herself here but seriously all the "needling" is supposed to be directed at me on this blog. Suze is a friend (as are many of my readers) and I really don't want to see that sort of thing here ok? I'm asking nicely.
I really look forward to seeing both of those guys produce offensively. I think more importantly that team defense (i.e... good backchecking by the forwards and FEW mistakes by the blueliners) will be VERY important.
The roster on the Seawolves website has been updated. I like that Bryce Christianson will be wearing #49. I think every UAA team should have a #49 on it. There are a few other interesting number choices. Jade Portwood will be in #36. August Aiken is going to be wearing #39. And Brian Bales will be in #40. Ken Selby will be in #19.
There are many many questions for next year. How much will Clark, Lunden and Crowder produce? Which sophomore will "blow up" ... McCabe?Daychief? Grant? Parkinson? Haddad? Wiles? What will Brian Bales add? Lets not forget he tore it up in the USHL before his downturn at Bowling Green so he's got skills. What can we expect from Moir, Aiken and Portwood in terms of production?
The team will have 12 upperclassmen. That's a nice number. There's a lot of experience and more talent than we've seen in a Junior/Senior lineup in quite a long time. That's a lot of leadership setting a good example for the younger guys. Let's hope that maturity pays off. By the way ... in 09 that number will be 17.
I agree with all of that and yes some very interesting choices on numbers for 08-09 season but hopefully it will all pay off. Anyways I think selby is due for a very good season hopefully with some more icetime and I like the sounds of Lafranchise and Robinson putting some points on the board for UAA this upcoming season. Those two are very good skaters and the top line of clark, lunden and crowder are all talented in their own way and i'm hoping they can click even more this season. Good luck UAA!
The 08/09 season looks really promising. Lots of great talent on the team, and a great coaching staff. TEAMWORK will be very important to UAA's success this year. They are more than capable of having a great season. Go Seawolves!!!!
jjack: I dunno if you're in Anchorage for the summer but if you are then the goddamn weather is making the break from hockey even more difficult. If you aren't here then just be glad. It SUCKS here this summer. SUCKS SUCKS SUCKS SUCKS SUCKS.
I did follow the Glencross saga to Calgary. Time will tell if it is good for him. He was on a line that clicked and had chemistry. He was looked at as a hometown boy too. He had lots of fan support. Hopefully, he'll find some chemistry with the Flames but I'm not a Sutter fan so I'd rather he stayed in Ed. Oh well, best of luck to him.
The ESPNU article was nice. I looked at it from my writing perspective though and thought it was pretty thin. Oh well. That's what happens in the world where people get paid to write.
Donald hows it?? I just wanted to invite all the Seawolve fans that may still be glancing at your blog to the Miller/ SEHL AllStar game Wed night at the Subway arena starting at 7pm...some of the Seawolf Alums that are playing are,Cartwright,Tassone,Decaro,Anderson JJ,Merrit,Tarkir and twin Brother,Walski along with current player Bales..Newyork Ranger Brandon Dubinski is the only NHLer This year but there will be over 15 pros playing all with Alaskan ties so admission is 5 dollars and there will be a skills competition thats usually alot of fun to watch between the 2 and 3rd period so if you have a chance its a great time to chat with the guys as after the game there is a D.J.and social at the Blueline Pub after... Other Current Seawolves Bryce C. is in Minnesota Training and J.Smith is the only other player thats been in town or played in the league this summer and im trying to slide him in...The game is no check but very fast and offensive minded (A Goalies Nightmare)so it really is fun to watch...If anybody wants more info they can go to SEHL.NET for stats and information...See you at the game...Todd Christianson
Todd, I've been monitoring the SEHL stats as part of my regular web surfing. If I was posting I would have definitely wrote about it as I have in the past. I was already planning on coming to the All-Star game so I'll see you there for sure.
Donald... thats great you can definitely write a hell of a lot better than me ..email me at titan.pres@gci.net and I will send you an updated Roster for the Game..It would be great if you did post your thoughts or report on the game as we are getting limited love from the ADN so far...There is going to be alot of ex NHLers hanging Around as Steve MacSwain is showing up with Former Players such as Clark Donnatelli, Guy Gosselin,Corey Millen,Tim Oshie Father of soon to be St Louis Blue T.J. Oshie and a host of others who will be watching the Game upstairs at the BlueLine Pub..There in town from Wasila doing a clinic so its going to be a neat time to socialize with All...Also Coaches Whitten and Blair are the celebrity skaters and are still pretty Damm good so It will be fun for all.... If you can maybe you can forward the press release and roster to any and all the seawolves fans ect..you have any your email bank...thanks TC
I am spending my days out in the Valley and the weather in the area does indeed suck. I spent the first month of my summer up in Prudhoe Bay and the weather was actually really nice (which makes my unemployment even more miserable).
Todd: Email bank? LOL. Sorry to laugh. It's just that I have a total of 0 email addy's saved in any sort of address book. Isn't that horrible? I sooo suck at email that I almost never send one without it actually being a reply!!!
I'll break my self-imposed hiatus though and do a post tomorrow night after the games. I've been jonesin a bit to write so ... what the hell. I've been hesitant though because I wanted my "word" about not being back til mid-August to be worth something.
jjack: If you can make it into town without breaking the bank on gas money then come by the All-Star game.
106 comments:
hey can i ask what did kurt say???????
He was teasing Shyiak, it all had to do with something Shyiak told him earlier about UAF's coach, and Kurt saying he wouldn't want to go to Vegas with Dave.
It was an innocent enough remark, I thought, he didn't mean it in a mean spirited way, that's not Haider. I think the AD is blowing this out of proportion.
certainly sounds like it...
alaska aka uaf hockey banquet WITHOUT doc "yoda" castillo will go on tonight....a great read in the fairbanks paper about a blowup between the ex coach and a newspaper reporter at last weeknds ice dogs game....
bottom line....something very bad happened...coach resigned and is in denver with job interview(s) already...
Told an HR issue/he was put on administrative leave and banned from campus...of course the university will never tell all because of confidentiality and greedom of rights acts...
kinda like tavis, i think coach didnt leave totally on his own free will...
players are happy...hated the guy..
just look at the defections...
nanook hockey like life after talafous at uaa will go on....
On a lighter note, for those who haven't seen the infamous U Tube video, Dorm Room Fishing with Trevor Hunt, go to U Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJeiZQq4D-o
(Or type dorm room fishing in at google). What a riot.
Congrats to Jeff Jackson at NotreDame...Took a Horrible team that won only 5 games and in 3 years took them to the National Championship...Great Coaches turn things around quickly..Also won the Championship at Lake Superior (Hellhole)State.. What a Fricken Stud..Davis Payne same thing...his was overnight although Pros is a different Animal..Next Year for UAA is a must for dramatical Improvement... Theres no question Jackson sets the bar!!!!!Congratulations NotreDame were jealous as hell!!!
Life has barely gone on without talliwreck.
I haven't read the ADN for the past couple of days- but I agree, Kurt is a class act all the way!
I'm the one who loves listening to him so much that I panic at the thought of him ever going anywhere else. LOL!!
Can I drift on to another topic for one second? I read the comments on the prior thread regarding the on again/off again arena plans.
The last thing I read in the paper was a letter from Arliss Sturgulwski on March 14 talking about why UAA needs a new arena - and more recently, I heard on KUDO radio that Rep. Kevin Meyer (Fairbanks) was pushing for including $15 mil in the capital budget to get the ball rolling as soon as possible on the design and planning of it.
I lived in Fairbanks briefly a few years ago, but I'm not overly familiar with Rep. Meyer.
Still.. I was ecstatic to read that someone in Juneau was actually looking out for the UAA facility!
I e-mailed him this past Friday and I told him that as a UAA hockey fan, I was thrilled to see that he was pushing to include money in the budget so that we can go ahead with planning of a new sports arena and asked him what the status of his request is.
I was hoping that maybe I'd hear from him this coming week, but he responded TONIGHT - Sunday PM with this message:
----------------
Thanks for the support! I’m excited about it as well. I pushed to include $15,000,000 in the capital budget so they could design the facility and get started on breaking ground as soon as possible. They really do need a better facility and I was happy to help.
Thanks again for the support,
Kevin Meyer
----------------
p.s. Does anyone know when the final state budget is due to be released?
I'm glad that Rep. Meyer asked for 15x the amount we originally asked for in design and planning funds! ;o)
larissa (can't get my Google account to work! >:-( *&^$@) ..o'well.
Larissa,
The bill with the $15M for the O.C.F.F.E.E.H (on-campus facility for everything except hockey) is sitting on Palin's desk waiting to be signed or vetoed.
And ...
Kevin Meyer is an Anchorage politician.
and a Republican at that
What a joke...15 million and nothing for the arena???What tha hell..
When he Aaron was interviewing him on KUDO radio.. he told listeners that the facility the $15"start up" money would be both for the hockey arena as well as new basketball facility.
I only caught part of that show today, but the UAA sports arena was talked about quite a bit. Aaron said he talked to Mr. Meyer about the 15m and that he said part of it would be to get the on-campus hockey arena moving, and part of ot would be the basketball courts.
Aaron was ticked about the location of the courts that they had given him... but I tuned in late and didn't catch that part.
Yeah.. I do hope Palin doesn't take her red pen out and wipe that off the budget again. Meyer believes he's given all the right answers to her and feels pretty positive.
We'll see! :o)
Thanks DD. I know nothing about Kevin Meyer, but it was nice of him to respond back! And hey... if you think about it.. it was also REALLY nice of him to come on local lefty radio to discuss the UAA sports complex/arena. :P LOL!
Anon at 9:23: The $15 million is not for the arena. He listed all the items the money was needed just to get to the point where they're ready to break ground, and somehow he came up with that figure for "planning and start up"
The actual cost for building the centers hasn't been released as far as I've seen.. I think Rasmuson will be stepping in at some point if it doesn't get line item vetoed. ;-)
Larissa
Looks like we've picked up a couple goal-scoring recruits:
http://www.adn.com/sports/story/377263.html
Hey does anybody know what the status of Matt Gordon is? is he done or will he be back next year?
I asked one of the players at the Banquet if they had heard any updates on Matt. He said that he thinks he's seeing better, but doesn't know if he'll be playing hockey again or not.
Such a shame, I wish him the best and hope to see him in a Seawolf jersey next season.
Heisenberg listing another forward recruit, August Aiken. I think we had been talking to him for awhile so it doesn't surprise me.
This is a link to the Trail SmokeEaters blogger who has a post about Aiken coming here and mentions a "talk" with August tomorrow night (Apr23rd) so check there for a podcast.
The key word here seems to be "speedy". He is 5'9" 170 and was a teammate of Tommy Grant with Westside last year.
Donald, I was just coming to say something about this, thanks for the link. Do you know his numbers from this past season?
He was the 2nd leading scorer on the team (by a tiny margin) ... 17g and 29a for a team that had the 2nd lowest goals total in the league.
Here is a link to the interview on August's signing.
Thanks for the links Donald. He sounds excited to be coming to UAA!!
Does anybody else notice that we seem to be recruiting for skill and speed. I am excited about this. Aiken should work well complimenting another speedster, Clark. I have been wondering why we don't go for more speed and skill with the big sheet at the Sully. I think Dave has figured that out and is finally implementing the plan.
not to be a smart ass but what else would we recruit for no-skill, no speed? We still lack the blue chippers
Skill and speed. This kid didn't even score 50 points in junior this past season as a 3 year 20 year old. This is far from a blue chip offensive prospect
I was actually trying to illustrate something that I forgot to mention. The fact that they are small and fast rather than making size such a huge priority. It seems like a means to open up the game and move away from the dump the puck and cycle that everyone seems to hate so much. No, he is not a blue-chip prospect. He was on an offensively impaired team and was second in scoring. Not to mention that at one point the rumors have it that North Dakota and Wisco were looking at him. He has talent has been on an offensively starved team, and maybe hasn't lived totally up to what was expected of him. Still a good recruit and will fit into a more of a skating style of play that should be coming from our team. So, please don't come back and gripe about it when they do skate more and not just throw pucks in and grind away.
Read the BCHL message boards, and the fans were high on Aiken. He sounds like a play maker, and see's the ice well. UAA has been recruiting big players, nothing wrong with bringing a small, fast spark plug. I think he'll fit in nicely.
If you look at the numbers of some of the other recruits around the league, they don't look that "skilled" on paper either.
CC is bringing in forwards who scored 8, 12, 12, and 18 goals. Aikens numbers are better.
DU picked up a winger with 4-7-11 in 44 games, and another forward with 9-5-14 in 49 games.
The Gophers have guys with 10 goals in 34 games, 10 goals in 56 games, and 13 goals in 55 games.
How about UND's Toew's with 2-7-9 in 47 games?
See a pattern here? A player can't always be judged by his numbers on a stat sheet. There are too many other factors that play into the equation.
I for one am thrilled to see a kid who can turn on the jets, it should add some excitement and scoring opportunities to the game.
Found some games out for next year
Fri, Oct 10- Kendall Hockey Classic
Sat, Oct 11- Kendall Hockey Classic
feat. Connecticut, Northeastern and Alaska Fairbanks.
Fri, Oct 31 @ Michigan Tech
Sat, Nov 01 @ Michigan Tech -Hall Of Game *
Fri, Jan 23 Michigan Tech
Sat, Jan 24 Michigan Tech
Fri, Feb 6 Saint Cloud State
Sat, Feb 7 Saint Cloud State
March 13-15 WCHA 1st round
All of this was found at
http://www.michigantechhuskies.com/
http://www.sctimes.com/
Also found was new plans for the Seawolves Athletic Facility, look on goseawolves.com for the new changes
I don't like this at all since it doesn't include hockey. I notice under the "locker room" section, the last item in the list is for "future programs". What does that mean?
The hockey needs to be ON CAMPUS!!
All the hype and talk about a rink and it surfaces that the rink is in future developement. What a shot to the hockey program. It is an embarrassment that the D. 1 hockey program is put secondary to GNAC basketball and D.2 athletics. All the hype and work of some die hard hockey fans to promote a project that really never was to help hockey. What a joke.
I agree, and Cobb has to take some responsibility for this. Wake up UAA administration!!!
Cobb just got an earful from me...via email.
Here's a pre-Heisenberg addition for UAA. Jade Portwood from the Brooks Bandits in the AJHL to attend UAA this fall. He is 6'3" 200lbs with 14g and 26a and 93 penalty minutes in 60 games.
This was announced yesterday by the Brooks Bandits.
Welcome to UAA Jade.
the source of all hockey knowledge is at it again. nice scoop Donald. Not a big point scorer, kinda like whe Glencross came from the Bandits. Now if he can produce like 82, we'll be very happy.
another recruit matthew bailey from the mjhl as well.
Yeah I had no idea about the Bailey. He just turned 17 so I'm figuring he is a 10/11 kid. He's already pretty big at 6'1" 184lbs and didn't have bad numbers 14g/15a in 60 games.
It will be interesting to watch him develop over the next couple of years. Maybe if he takes a BIG step next year he can come in as an 18 year old? But that's a pretty tall order I think. I wonder if he'll play somewhere other than the MJHL next year? That'll be interesting to see as well.
A quick bit of research and here is a link showing the Canada West U-17 roster of which Matthew is included.
Nothing wrong with that on the resume'.
I talked to Josh Lunden today about Matthew Gordon, he says that he really hasn't spoken to him much but his vision is improving, not close to what it was yet, but that he has been cleared to resume skating. Not much in the way of news, but it sounds like he is recovering albeit slowly.
UAF has a sponsor and teams for their tourney next year
Alaska Gold Rush
Oct 17-18
Maine
Mercyhurst
UAA
UAF
http://alaskananooks.cstv.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/042908aaa.html
How many 18 yr olds in the WCHA??? Bailey wont be around for quite awhile..
When I did a search on Bailey, I found a roster for Sioux Falls of the USHL, and his name is on it. I wonder if he'll be playing there next season?
http://www.ushl.com/centralscouting/Showcase2008-9091rosters.pdf
Nice find Suze ...
The USHL showcase camps are by invitation which means that USHL scouting wants to see him (and the hundreds of other kids invited) to see what he can do prior to their draft on May 14th. If he did well enough in camp (it was last week) then somebody will draft him and that team will own his rights. The teams don't fill their rosters with draft picks necessarily though usually almost all drafted players make the teams which are then filled out with players that go through the usual tryout process in the fall.
For example last year Gustav Bengtson was drafted by Cedar Rapids and made the team. But after 20 or so games he wasn't breaking into the lineup very often so he went to Texas in the NAHL.
So thats the deal.
Actually, The Fairbanks Tournament is called the “Alaska Goal Rush” and will be partly sponsored by Brice Inc. Brice Inc. is a local construction/environmental remediation company that has been supporting Fairbanks hockey for years.
It also has three ex-Nanook goaltenders on payroll...Alba Brice, Todd Henderson, and Preston McKay (insert witty comment here). And Nanook fans thank Brice Inc. for their support.
first virg foss and then the papers in minneapolis are talking UAA out of the WCHA or looking for other options. Is there any facts or truth to these rumours.
They are just that - rumors. I will say this, if UAA doesn't get their new arena, if they don't start filling up their own barn, and if they don't start having a few winning seasons, I can see them being forced out.
It's good that Shyiak has them headed in the right direction.
Believe me everybody is hoping we are going in the right direction.
For now I'll leave the "if they don't" ... "they'll be forced out" comment only so I can dispell it for the final time. Such unreasoned comments will be deleted in the future.
NOBODY is going to force UAA out of the WCHA. No matter how many times they finish last, how long it takes to get a new arena or how many people show up at the rink.
Here's why. Every team in the WCHA benefits financially from UAA's inclusion. EVERY team that plays up here gets a schedule exemption which they use to schedule home games. Those gates from those games is PURE BONUS for the member schools that they would otherwise not have. A reasonable estimate of the additional income from those games would range up to 100,000 dollars depending on rink/ticket prices etc.
In addition, the historical subsidy that UAA once provided (it began a phasing out process in 2002) give the school CLOUT. If an AD at another school had enough balls to suggest a move to exclude UAA then Cobb just has to come back with "WHAT?? We paid for your team to come up here for more than a decade and you get extra gates and you've got the balls to suggest we be forced out?"
You see? It ain't gonna happen. No matter how much stupid RUBES suggest it because they want to see another Minnesota school in the WCHA.
It is MUCH MORE LIKELY that Minnesota and Wisconsin will leave the WCHA for a Big Ten Hockey Conference than it is that UAA will voluntarily leave the WCHA or be forced out.
Suggesting otherwise is some sort of queer wishful thinking. That is the bottom line.
From this point on. I will delete any comments that refer to this ongoing stupid rumor.
Donald: You should Paypal me $20.01.... ;)
Donald, UAA is still paying the airfare for other schools, it has not been phased out, this came from someone high up in the program.
I was told UAA bought 20 tickets for the Gophers this year. Wisconsin is one school who is putting up a fight for UAA to continue to pay their airfare.
Donald..I wouldnt delete any thing out regarding the UAA exodus constant Rumor...Your Awnser is outstanding,truthful,accurate and fully makes sense..the one thing with Hockey rumors in Smallville is you have to constantly reput them or they gain legs... so as a tireless advocate of the program and having privy to some excellent info your timely REBUTTAL is much better than ignoring it as unfortunately rumors can become perception and a constant reminder of the facts is by far the best way to shut up the constant ASSHOLES..is .. yes you guessed it.. with FACTS...LUV seeing you fired up in MAY...I remind you Hockey is a DISEASE!!!!LOL
Donald is correct we are more likely to see a Big Ten hockey conference before we ever see UAA leaving the WCHA. Not going to happen.
Suze,
It was announced in 2002 that the league had agreed to phase out the subsidy. I've seen documentation from that year (I googled it and found it 3 or 4 days ago) confirming that. PJ Hill was "recognized" for working with the WCHA to phase it out and for the savings that the agreement led to.
I don't really want to bother Cobb with it right now but I promise to get the EXACT story before the season begins and post it (with references).
UNFRIKENBELIEVABLE HORRIFIC OPINION COLUM under my view in the News today...were Screwed??? The new Sports Complex refined by UAA would house all competive sports BUT ICE HOCKEY..ARE YOU KIDDEN ME??? UAA has proven they cant compete with the ACES AT ANYTHING under the current regime..And now were goin to go with this STATEMENT.. "The University hopes to work a deal later with the City for a joint facility for hockey..perhaps off campus" Hey Brain Surgeons why dont you put a refrigeration unit in the facility you could realisticly still hold hockey in there since we really struggle to get an honest 2500 fans Aanyway ..you could hold Highschool Hockey State championships there as there is no good medium size venue and a Host of other events when it isnt being used and then when the NEW (ABSOLUTE Complete Bullshit) MUNI OF ANCHORAGE Joint FANTASY facility gets built we can move there if the program is capable of Drawing more than 3500.(AND RIGHT NOW EVERYTHING IS AN IF).ALTHOUGH I know the cost of a refrigeration unit and Boards may put a 40 million ARENA over budget.???..WHO IN THE HELL IS WATCHING OUT FOR THE SEAWOLF HOCKEY PROGRAM..ITS TOUGH NOT TO BE REALLY PISSED AFTER READING THAT Article IN THE PAPER...MORE BULLSHIT!!!!!!Hockey has to be included for any ON CAMPUS Facility especially one that truly fits the needs and current interest of the Hockey program.....BE REAL!!! WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE GLORY YEARS UAA avg HONEST attendance over the last 30 years has been under 3500..I dont care what inflated stat THEY use..Can you imagine the atmosphere of 3500 sceaming Hockey FANS..PEOPLE YOUR CRAZY WANTING SOME HUGE STADIUM THAT WILL LOOK LIKE NOBODY IS IN IT..WE DONT HAVE ANYTHING IN PLACE TO REALISTICLY BE ABLE TO FILL EVEN THE SULLY FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS...WHEN WE DO AND THE PROGRAM IS WINNING THEN YOU UPGRADE TO THE "MUNI FANTASY ARENA"....FOR NOW Put the GODDAMM Ice in the on Campus Facility and work on rebuilding the shattered HOCKEY program ...
Next seasons schedule was released...2 preseasons with US U-18 team and then U-BC next trial by fire at the Kendall with Northeastern and UConn then the UAF tourney has Mercyhurst and Maine before opening at home with Duluth....second half looks easier than usual though....
Here is a link to the 08-09 schedule on the Seawolf website
AnonMay71102:
There's nothing wrong with being frustrated. However allow me to suggest that patience is the only reasonable state of mind at this point in the programs history. Shyiak is coming into his 4th year. That is a watershed event in some respects. He'll have "his" players and they'll be playing "his" game. Everything he has done before this year has been a lead in to this coming season.
Take the next two seasons to begin to make your judgements as to the programs potential for success. It takes a lot of work and stability to succeed in the most difficult league in college hockey and stability hasn't exactly been a hallmark with 4 years of Talafous and 3 years of Hill preceeding the Shyiak era. And both of his predecessors left under less than quality circumstances. Shyiak has made few if any big missteps so far in his regime. That isn't to say there isn't room for criticism but I believe that criticism needs to be taken with care and be very very accurate if it is given.
Shyiak is building a team that will have to play as a team. These guys will have to come together and enjoy playing together. There is both size and speed in the lineup. There is probably as much skill and talent as has EVER worn the green and gold. And they already showed me (this past season) that they are capable of doing so with a bounce here and there.
Hang in there. Things seem to be going in the right direction. If after the next two seasons we haven't seen indications of success (final five and ncaa playoffs) then the more critical evaluations can begin. Until then it simply wouldn't be fair. That is just the reality of what it takes.
This isn't professional sports. There are unfortunate political realities that created the shitty situation with the proposed arena. I don't like it. But there is no "ownership" to put pressure on the city for a new arena. There is only the reality that the school is wholly dependent on public funding in a state with a notoriously tight fist. We voted these tight fisted bastids in over and over for the last 50 years. And even now when there is 40+ billion in the savings account and the state has 4 billion in revenue to spend this year. They aren't doing it. They put a billion into their constitutional reserve fund. That's a savings account that will help guarantee that state government can continue operating regardless of future revenue streams. See what they think is important? It isn't education and infrastructure. I point this all out because THEY deserve the blame.
Not the university or any of it's agents; they are doing the best they can in a difficult situation. They have no real clout ya know?
All that said ... there is "noise" which could indicate a positive arena outcome in time (including locating such on-campus). How much time? I really don't know. But again, all we can really do is hope and have faith that behind the scenes things are progressing to that positive outcome. I'm personally not happy with the delay and the less than sure outcome.
If a arena is built on campus put The DAMM ice in it ...the chances of two on campus facilitys are slim..Im agreeing that the program is headed in the right Direction..lets face it Shyiaks and staff have brought in some great kids..Very few mistakes as far as personel and character so far, nokids leavin,Grades are good nothing to stupid off the ice I Say an 7 or 8 on the recruiting Meter (to be determined) ...But this Rink Thing is a Monster as far as an ultra positive and I feel like most that all the off ice Politics, Marketing,and Direction in all areas of the team could be massively improved with a Couple of guys in the dept SOLE JOB to handle Everything Hockey ..There is just to much to do and so much money involved for the entire Athletic department that some major Changes would at least get some excitement to build on as far as the off ice stuff..
When are you going to come down here? =P
I'm looking at another trip to UAA next season..... I have a $400 voucher for Frontier Airlines....
If anyone is paying attention ... Dusan Sidor (goalie) from the Alaska Avalanche rescinded his verbal to DIII Wisconsin Stevens Point on May 5th and committed to UAA.
There's a story on the Alaska Avalanche website.
MEg:
Christ only knows. Donna insists I should only go to the Final Five when UAA makes it. In that case, hopefully next year. Getting into the Final Five isn't a sure thing for any team but since UAA has only been in once I'm considering just making a regular road trip though my choice for a road trip would be Minnesota or DU.
We watched Sidor play during their playoffs, and he was pretty solid. The Avs didn't have the best team or the best defense, so of course that certainly plays into his stats.
Should be interesting next year. When was the last time UAA had three recruited goalies on the roster?
And it is still the weak link of the team
http://panthers.nhl.com/
here's a nice article on beaverson. he signed an entry level contract with florida. good job luke
Has anyone looked at the vetoes on the new capital budget?
I scrolled down to the $15 million requested for the UAA Sports Center planning, and it appears the Governor didn't veto it this time.
I realize there was talks of not including the new ice arena in the initial planning, but if the planning and preperation can at least begin on a new sports center, the liklihood of the new ice arena can't be far behind.
If anyone else has looked at the budget, can you tell me if I'm reading this right? Looks like the $15 million was approved to me.
http://www.gov.state.ak.us/omb/
She sure cut a lot, but the UAA Sports Complex didn't get the axe this time. It's about time!!
I'd like to know what the UAF and Tanana Valley Campus Annual Capital Renewal and Renovation Requirement is. That's almost 16 1/2 million.
To Anons comment of the Goaltending being the weak link of the team??..I think every one knows that 9 (1) goal GAMES or less in Seawolf scoring in the second half testifys to the weak link of the team..Is the Goaltending a question mark..Yes...but You cant grade anybody but Johhny O because both the other two guys havn't had the opportunity yet. Bryce (4) games and 1/2 a season and Sidor (0) games and just signed?? Until this year all are still under Classmen on the three time last place team in the WCHA except J.O.
I heard that Sidor is not on scholarship. He'll be a very strong walk on though. I wonder if Mayo will still be on the roster?
JUST CRYIN OVER THE ARENA DEAL.Flagship Sport 80 friken million and they cant put an ice machine in for what another million.I Dont understand why.Some boosters feel betrayed that there never was a plan to build this particular Arena ever for hockey. If thats true then just nothing but more negative feelings and misunderstandings..I think this deal is going to simmer,then boil,untill something is announced in regards to the facility issue for Hockey. Lets treat Hockey like the flagship sport foronce
Here's all I can do. I promise to talk with Steve Cobb before Sep 1st and obviously I'll ask lots of questions about a new hockey arena. I'll dedicate a post to the subject in late August.
i heard mayo isn't coming back to the team next year, but will likely return to school.
I can confirm that Mayo won't be on the roster next season.
I'd hope we all remember that college hockey is all about guys like Aaron. He had to know going into last season that there was little chance he'd play but probably hoped otherwise. Yet the kid (and all the bubble players like him all over D1) played an important role in practice and was valued by his teammates and the program for that contribution.
Good luck Aaron.
heard clark is going to washington capitals summer camp and lunden is heading to phoenix coyotes summer camp... good for those two. looks bright for the two who have been playing and living together for close to 2 years now.
Just perusing your blog and was hoping someone could fill me in on the state and politics of the Sullivan Arena where the Seawolves play. Is this a good place for a young hockey player to hang his hat for four years? Are there plans to build a new facility on campus? Does the community support the hockey team, or are they waiting for a winner? Thanks.
Is this a good place for a young hockey player to hang his hat for four years?
It definitely is. The better a young hockey player deals with travel aspect of playing hockey the more he'll succeed here. If he doesn't dig planes and sometimes they affect his performance; then Anchorage will be a tough gig for him. As for the other aspects ... it's Alaska. There is tons of cool stuff to do when you aren't playing hockey. Hockey players that like hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities will love it here. Fish you catch in other states are used for bait here.
Are there plans to build a new facility on campus? Does the community support the hockey team, or are they waiting for a winner? Thanks.
The hope of a hockey arena on campus is in limbo currently. Sullivan Arena is 25+ years old but is a functional rink. Over the last few years a typical largest crowd of the season will be well over 5,000 but other games have drawn only 3,000 (average was 3654) and was 20th overall in average attendance out of all 59 schools. It'll sell out regularly if the Seawolves would win regularly. Sully won't win any architectural awards. The ice is always good. There is some talk about the local ECHL team and UAA combining somehow to build a hockey arena together but that's all preliminary. A separate on-campus hockey arena was in the schools plans but they dropped the hockey arena and are building a new facility for all the other teams to share. There'll likely be some expansion to the practice facilities including new better and more equipment when the new non-hockey facility is finished.
It's a bandwagon sports town and with a good performing ECHL team competing for hockey fan dollar (between the two teams there could be 10 games in two weeks to choose from) but it does like hockey enough that if both teams were winning that the Sully would be full for both. So yeah ... I think Anchorage is a hockey town.
At some point there'll be a new arena. Where and when? I dunno ...
Thanks for the information. My boy is headed your way in August to play for the Seawolves, and we're as excited as hell he's going to an American state where hockey appears almost as important as it is here in Canada.
Welcome. My boy enjoyed his freshman year last season. Great coaches and group of boys.
So if Clark and Lunden are attending NHL summer camps, does that mean they will not be returning to the team?
No on Clark and Lunden. Hundreds of college players will go to one or another of these NHL summer development camps and they all pay their own way. There is no eligibility issue.
As for coming back there is every reason to expect they'll both be back. If both of them have good camps and come back and kick some serious ass this coming season (20+ goals) and UAA gets some national press ... then you might see some more camp invitations and who knows? But not this year. They've both got more to prove at this level first before a real opportunity is likely to come along.
I personally spoke with Kevin at the UAA banquet, and he was excited that all of the players were returning, so I'm sure hoping that is the case.
one more year and they both can make the jump, the seawolves just have to have a good year and get out of the basement. i can definately see those two been the the next to since glencross. there chemistry together is great to watch.
Is there any truth to the rumors that 2 of last years freshmen may not be returning. Maybe other offers?
As I stated, Kevin told me personally at the banquet that all the players are coming back - so if this is true, it's a recent thing.
It isn't like "other offers" is any sort of reasonable prospect. Having played a year for an NCAA team the only "other offer" anyone is likely to receive would be from another NCAA team. And that would be against the rules.
The only likely scenario would be that a player found himself in a situation he didn't like and wanted to transfer. If that was the case then he'd ask for permission to talk to other schools and if they were interested then he'd apply for a transfer.
So ... since the "rumor" as stated is that they have "other offers" then I'd label it as complete nonsense.
ah but suze, if u look and read what donald said earlier he said mayo won't be back so not everybody's coming back then
I wasn't (and I doubt Suze was) thinking of Mayo in the same terms as a "regular" player. The kid was a local walk on practice goalie who'd had no guarantee of earning any playing time. Not that I take anything away from him because I truly respect guys like him. But that said, I suppose I didn't think of him in the same light as other "regular" players. I suppose the same could be said for Jeremy Smith ... if he doesn't turn up on the roster it wouldn't surprise me (last year was his 1st year but he wasn't a freshman). And it's always (and as Suze would stipulate) "possible" that some players personal circumstances lead to him not returning.
So with all that ... was there really something that you wanted to accomplish with that comment other than to somehow "needle" Suze? Not that she can't handle herself here but seriously all the "needling" is supposed to be directed at me on this blog. Suze is a friend (as are many of my readers) and I really don't want to see that sort of thing here ok? I'm asking nicely.
Donald, it was from an annonymous source, of course. Chicken shit posters. Ignore them.
Sometimes people post anonymously for good reason. They enjoy Donald's blog, want to make comments, but choose to remain anonymous. Seems fair enough.
I don't have any objection to anonymous comments. All I'd like to see is some way to differentiate one anonymous comment from another.
This section allows one to "make up" a moniker or tag quite simply. I'll do so with this comment. You just click the "Name/URL" button
Then next time I make a comment I do the same thing ...
I was walking by the hockey rink at the wells fargo, and noticed a giant inflatable seawolf head entrance. pretty cool i guess
Jeff,
At the banquet, Becky, the blueliner president, said that some of the booster money was going for a new entrance tunnel. I can't wait to see it!!
I think Lafranchise will have a good sophomore season with the wolves this year! Hopefully him and robinson can create some offensive magic out there
I really look forward to seeing both of those guys produce offensively. I think more importantly that team defense (i.e... good backchecking by the forwards and FEW mistakes by the blueliners) will be VERY important.
The roster on the Seawolves website has been updated. I like that Bryce Christianson will be wearing #49. I think every UAA team should have a #49 on it. There are a few other interesting number choices. Jade Portwood will be in #36. August Aiken is going to be wearing #39. And Brian Bales will be in #40. Ken Selby will be in #19.
There are many many questions for next year. How much will Clark, Lunden and Crowder produce? Which sophomore will "blow up" ... McCabe?Daychief? Grant? Parkinson? Haddad? Wiles? What will Brian Bales add? Lets not forget he tore it up in the USHL before his downturn at Bowling Green so he's got skills. What can we expect from Moir, Aiken and Portwood in terms of production?
The team will have 12 upperclassmen. That's a nice number. There's a lot of experience and more talent than we've seen in a Junior/Senior lineup in quite a long time. That's a lot of leadership setting a good example for the younger guys. Let's hope that maturity pays off. By the way ... in 09 that number will be 17.
I agree with all of that and yes some very interesting choices on numbers for 08-09 season but hopefully it will all pay off. Anyways I think selby is due for a very good season hopefully with some more icetime and I like the sounds of Lafranchise and Robinson putting some points on the board for UAA this upcoming season. Those two are very good skaters and the top line of clark, lunden and crowder are all talented in their own way and i'm hoping they can click even more this season. Good luck UAA!
The 08/09 season looks really promising. Lots of great talent on the team, and a great coaching staff. TEAMWORK will be very important to UAA's success this year. They are more than capable of having a great season. Go Seawolves!!!!
Holy crap, i hope the summer moratorium will end soon.
I'm laid off from work and need a time waster.
If you missed it, Glencross moved down the highway a couple hours and signed with the Flames.
Stupid move by the Oilers.
anyone read the article on ESPNU on UAA/UAF?
jjack:
I dunno if you're in Anchorage for the summer but if you are then the goddamn weather is making the break from hockey even more difficult. If you aren't here then just be glad. It SUCKS here this summer. SUCKS SUCKS SUCKS SUCKS SUCKS.
I did follow the Glencross saga to Calgary. Time will tell if it is good for him. He was on a line that clicked and had chemistry. He was looked at as a hometown boy too. He had lots of fan support. Hopefully, he'll find some chemistry with the Flames but I'm not a Sutter fan so I'd rather he stayed in Ed. Oh well, best of luck to him.
The ESPNU article was nice. I looked at it from my writing perspective though and thought it was pretty thin. Oh well. That's what happens in the world where people get paid to write.
Donald hows it?? I just wanted to invite all the Seawolve fans that may still be glancing at your blog to the Miller/ SEHL AllStar game Wed night at the Subway arena starting at 7pm...some of the Seawolf Alums that are playing are,Cartwright,Tassone,Decaro,Anderson
JJ,Merrit,Tarkir and twin Brother,Walski along with current player Bales..Newyork Ranger Brandon Dubinski is the only NHLer This year but there will be over 15 pros playing all with Alaskan ties so admission is 5 dollars and there will be a skills competition thats usually alot of fun to watch between the 2 and 3rd period so if you have a chance its a great time to chat with the guys as after the game there is a D.J.and social at the Blueline Pub after... Other Current Seawolves Bryce C. is in Minnesota Training and J.Smith is the only other player thats been in town or played in the league this summer and im trying to slide him in...The game is no check but very fast and offensive minded (A Goalies Nightmare)so it really is fun to watch...If anybody wants more info they can go to SEHL.NET for stats and information...See you at the game...Todd Christianson
Todd,
I've been monitoring the SEHL stats as part of my regular web surfing. If I was posting I would have definitely wrote about it as I have in the past. I was already planning on coming to the All-Star game so I'll see you there for sure.
Donald... thats great you can definitely write a hell of a lot better than me ..email me at titan.pres@gci.net and I will send you an updated Roster for the Game..It would be great if you did post your thoughts or report on the game as we are getting limited love from the ADN so far...There is going to be alot of ex NHLers hanging Around as Steve MacSwain is showing up with Former Players such as Clark Donnatelli, Guy Gosselin,Corey Millen,Tim Oshie Father of soon to be St Louis Blue T.J. Oshie and a host of others who will be watching the Game upstairs at the BlueLine Pub..There in town from Wasila doing a clinic so its going to be a neat time to socialize with All...Also Coaches Whitten and Blair are the celebrity skaters and are still pretty Damm good so It will be fun for all.... If you can maybe you can forward the press release and roster to any and all the seawolves fans ect..you have any your email bank...thanks TC
I am spending my days out in the Valley and the weather in the area does indeed suck. I spent the first month of my summer up in Prudhoe Bay and the weather was actually really nice (which makes my unemployment even more miserable).
Todd:
Email bank? LOL. Sorry to laugh. It's just that I have a total of 0 email addy's saved in any sort of address book. Isn't that horrible? I sooo suck at email that I almost never send one without it actually being a reply!!!
I'll break my self-imposed hiatus though and do a post tomorrow night after the games. I've been jonesin a bit to write so ... what the hell. I've been hesitant though because I wanted my "word" about not being back til mid-August to be worth something.
jjack:
If you can make it into town without breaking the bank on gas money then come by the All-Star game.
Lol... good stuff!! havnt you heard Hockey is a disease..
Donald, we'll try to make it to the games, and see if we can find you there.
The weather has been better in the Valley. We've played a ton of gold at Fish Hook and I numerous times the weather sucked here and it was nice there.
Todd, has TJ been playing in here this summer?
how come you took down your site meter?
Post a Comment