The UAA Hockey Fan Blog will no longer be credentialed by UAA. Yesterday I sent what I thought was a housekeeping email regarding 2012-13 credentials ... same as I'd done in the past. Then today I receive word that the UAA Athletic Department (in a decision Steve Cobb fully supports) will no longer supply the credentials.
Well isn't that an unpleasant surprise just days before I leave town. Why? Because I won't keep fighting battles that I've already fought and won. Content here is my choice and I've honestly endeavored to strike a balance between my style and content for all readers. I have no illusions that some content offended some people. So what? Be offended and move on. Don't like colorful language? Stay off the internet.
Their decision to pull my credentials is up to them. They credentialed this blog for three years, I've been writing for what ... like 7? But, I'm not one to walk back into a bar that 86'd me. You get kicked out of a joint arbitrarily and unceremoniously you don't go back in ... it's a Man Rule or something. Anyway, it's a message that they don't want you there. Message received. I think I've done my share of promoting their program.
It's important to note here the awesome help I've received from Dallas Baldwin. Thanks for everything Dallas ... it's been my honor to have been associated with you. Thanks also to the wonderful Jane Pallister who so often simply took care of whatever I needed and always did so with grace and humor.
By the way. Mike Peluso will have his number retired by the program. I fucking made that happen. Suck it Tim McDeffit. It's Dunlop ... With an "O".
Lastly, I'll still be at the Buckaroo Club on Thursday night at 7pm and hope to see those of you who still like me ....
171 comments:
Sad day for you guys. You still have my support.
Seawolfpunk
Winning!
Truly a shocking maneuver on UAA's part. Although it has the 'full support' of Cobb, some part of me wants to think that there are many in the UAA hockey club who are not happy with this decision.
I doubt it will happen, but perhaps some kind words from the coach/team would be in order since you have been their stout defenders. And as for Dr. Cobb, does it not mean anything to him that you went to bat for him countless times on this blog, defending him from countless nay-sayers?
I respect Dr. Cobb, but I think this is one of the worst decisions I have ever seen come from his administration.
Some thanks for the years of tireless (unpaid) service you've put into this blog. Beyond UAA's official Seawolves Hockey website, your blog is hands down THE go to place for all things Seawolves Hockey. If their decision causes this blog to shut down (or at least cease to update) then they will be doing their program, school and fan base a huge disservice. This struggling program needs all the help it can get and this (now) unofficial site went a long way toward promoting the interests of the Seawolves and acted as a community hub where us fans could celebrate on the best of days and commiserate on the worst of days.
I hate to 'hate' on the program I love, but this move will only serve to piss off the dwindling hardcore fan base. It's not too late for them to reverse course, but like you said it's extremely hard to walk back into a place you were kicked out of.
Anyways, best of luck in your move Donald. Unfortunately I won't be able to make Thursday night but I hope you and those who do go have a blast.
Things like this are nothing new. Institutions require one to adapt to their specific "morays". Fitting in with some concept that I "represent" the school here isn't in my nature. I don't fucking represent the school that's why the media relations department exists.
I represent me and everyone knows that.
It is because of whiney simpletons that human culture tends toward the insipid; color is discouraged and if you are associated even loosely with an institution then showing color is going to end in dissociation.
So anyway, I came here to say that the coach and team and etc have nothing to do with it. No sense in any of them saying anything.
Do you know when Peluso's # is getting retired?
Thanks for your thoughts, Donald. But just to clarify, I didn't mean to suggest the team or coaching staff had anything to do with the Athletic Department's decision, but after having thought about it perhaps it is not their place or prerogative to say anything about this.
Tis' what Tis', I suppose. :)
This is truly a sad day for this Seawolve fan. More discouraging news. What the hell are they thinking? Good luck to you Donald. I appreciated your warped humor and not only your perspective on the Seawolves but the world. Chicago will be a better place.
As you said, Donald, you had this blog for several years without the "credentials". You don't need 'em. We appreciate you and want you to keep the blog going.
I've considered the option of moving forward without credentials. And while that has an appeal unfortunately having had credentials and now sans credentials it doesn't seem to me to be an ongoing enterprise. I was fine back in the day with writing the blog without credentials but having them and then having them taken away is a different story. Does that make sense?
I never wanted anything than an "organic" experience here ... and by that i mean "natural" ... so if this is the natal end to the blog then i'm ok with it.
I don't blame you Donald for feeling the way you do. I would probably shutter the darn thing too if this happened to a blog I wrote. Regardless, it remains the case that, as you hinted at earlier, the official 'UAA Creds' that were bestowed upon this blog were only frosting on the cake. The real core of the blog was always your colorful and often biting (but always entertaining) analysis of the Seawolves hockey phenomenon.
If this blog is indeed gasping its final breaths as I type, it would be nice to see a 'final post', if you will. Something to send this blog off on a flaming pyre out to sea, in style. And perhaps even to sew the seeds for a phoenix to rise from the ashes some time in the future, if another pioneering souls is daring enough to enter the tempest that is college hockey blogging.
Really though, you don't owe us readers anything so perhaps I ought not to be making requests. Regardless of what happens, it's been one hell of a ride. Thanks for everything. :)
It's called censorship, Cobb read some negative comments about himself here, so he is trying to not be associated with your blog. What a thin skinned lazy piece of garbage he is. UAA and it's fans deserve better.
I hope your flight to Chicago went well Donald! (Or are you driving?)
If this blog goes T.U... I just wanted to remind everyone that the forum DD created at:
http://uaa-hockey-forum.969416.n3.nabble.com
...is still up & running. Although, if he decides to shut down this one, he may want to take that one down as well? :-/
Speaking of blogs & forums and all... is JimJamesAlaska still around? I haven't dropped in here enough lately and I'm kinda lost... :p
All good questions, Arctic Fox. Unfortunately, there are not many answers at this points. Given the move that Donald is making, I don't blame him for not having time for this blog as he has far more important matters to attend to at this point.
Maybe when he gets settled in Chicago he will have more info for us. I'm not his spokesperson though, so I won't go any further. I'm just speculating at this point based upon what information Donald has given us.
I know it's confusing for you and others who have stumbled upon the blog at this point.. just hang in there, something good will come of this, I'm sure.
I will miss this place and your commentary Donald.
I'm a UAF fan and I still came here from time to time for entertainment. I even had UAA season tickets way back when in the flush Brush days.
I don't what has happened to UAA hockey lately but this isn't a good sign.
Good luck and thanks for the years and countless hours
I have a question; if Donald is moving to Chicago what would credentials do for Donald anyways? Seems to me that Donald could still do the blog post with his biting commentary, which most of us have come to expect.
UAA is gonna have a terrible season. It's really a shame, we had some promising players that decided to leave. Not trying to be negative, just realistic. This program will be completely insignificant until a new arena is built and UAA can lure in some of it's homegrown talent. It's really sad the University doesn't do more to try to lure them to stay.
I guess the non-credentials will affect Jim and his post game interviews?
Cobb is from the southern us, they don't know anything about hockey. I really don't think he cares. Very sad for all the longtime uaa hockey fans.
I think most hockey fans feel the same way, Cobb doesn't care. At best he is lukewarm about the hockey program.
I honestly don't care who is in charge of the Athletic department as long as they are doing all they can to ensure the success of UAA collegiate athletics. I don't think that is currently the case, but sadly I think whoever is in charge of AD placement (board of regents? UA President/Chancellor?) view UAA athletics as a high priority right now, and until that changes I don't think we will see much change in the status quo. Just my opinion.
I should ammend that to say 'don't view' UAA athletics as a high priority..
Sad to hear. I think UAA is making a big mistake. Good luck to you Donald.
ScoobyDoo USCHO
What a crokc of crap
Well Donald as Parent of a departed UAA player I want to thank you for your support of the players. UAA has a great deal of house cleaning it needs to do. Until they make changes At the top things are not gong to be good for the Seawolves. Dr. Cobb is not concerned with the well being of the players or there fan support apparently with his actions towards you. Good luck and best wishes to you.
Practices officially start tomorrow. I've heard some of the local players are having a ball and are really excited about the season. Can't WAIT!!
Scheid and Mellor went back to juniors, which means they won't have to sit out a year of college. Anyone know where Pustin went?
Are you homesick yet Donald? ;)
To the UAA parent @ 5:50 p.m., you ROCK! And you're correct that Cobb is useless when it comes to hockey. When there isn't a basketball or volleyball game at home, he'll make a guest appearance at the Sullivan Arena for the first two periods of a hockey game. Big f'n deal.
I know he reads this forum because he said "I see what they say on the internet and it's all lies".
This is for you Steve Cobb: Isn't there a nice cushy job somewhere like Biloxi, Mississippi or another southern city that doesn't have hockey that you could transfer to?
Oh, that's right. You want to spend a few years in your cushy new corner office that's under construction. I saw the blueprints and unless someone kicks your ass out, you'll be puffing away on the balcony of your new office that overlooks the mountains soon. Finally you won't have to walk out the front door of the Wells Fargo before you pop a cigarette into your piehole.
When you went on the radio to respond to Eric Tuott's compass piece on why the new UAA arena should include ice, again, you really blew smoke up the ass of listeners.
You rambled on about how "UAA is the prime tenant of the Sullivan Arena" and how they've "ensured you they are completely renovating the Sullivan so that it meets or beats the standards of other teams in the league". Sure thing Cobber. Funny that when you ask Sullivan Arena's General Manager Joe Wooden, or SMG arena maintenance, neither of them know where in hell you came up that crap.
When your lowly ass finally does retire, I hope that the next AD respects hockey. In the meantime, keep lighting up. Maybe you'll HAVE to retire early!
So anyway Donald, hope Illinois is everything you hoped for and more. Better you than me!
Seriously though, everyone misses you.
Cobb says it's all lies? He's the master of the lies. You really can't trust anything he tells you because he tells you what you want to hear, knowing it's all bull. Very unprofessional. I hope he retires SOON.
On the positive side, there was a nice story on channel 2 about the team, they had their first official practice today. Bailey wears the "A", is anyone gonna wear the "C" Shyiak?
Supposedly this team is "different" from last years team and are very cohesive and tight. That will be very important and this team may surprise some folks.
Crowell is wearing the C
It's to bad cohesive and tight does notwin you games, like skill and speed does in the WCHA. I don't care how tight and coheisve they think this team is, they once again won't be able to compete. shyiak says they are tight and cohesive as a positive because thats the only positive they have. He knows they are gunna be a bottom feeder again, he knows hes done after this year, which should have happened a long time ago, look at how many players have decided to leave from last years team don't have to be a genius to figure out a reason for that. I hope they do well, i just really don't see it happening what so ever.
While I'd say there is no compelling reason to think we'll do any better this year than in the past, I'd also say there is no compelling reason to think we'll do any worse either. Yes, the Seawolves have had some key players leave this year, but their is still a lot of great talent left that can make some waves. I'm going to remain hopeful that UAA is going to make their last year in the OWCHA one to remember.
Hey Anon at 10:55, Go to an Aces game then. That group is about as tight and cohesive as a whore on dollar night.
Hello from St. Paul ... a little side trip on the way to Chicago. Drove almost 4000 miles, but we're taking our time. Everyday since we left Anchorage has bee better weather-wise than the whole shitty Anchorage summer.
I'll make one more full post after I get to Chicago but then i'm not going to post on the blog anymore. I see some of the questions above and will answer them in that post.
For now I'm going to enjoy the sun out here on the deck of the Best Western and have a couple of beers. I am thinking about finding a gopher jersey and putting it on in front of Mariucci then using that pic for the final post. Maybe a bit too much of a dick move but it seems funny to me.
Glad to hear you survived the trip, Donald. Sounds like you are enjoying your stay in 'the state of hockey' ;-) . One burning question though, are you still a UAA fan? If not it will be interesting to see where your allegiance shifts. I must say that if I were in your shoes the dilemma of whether to remain a fan or not would be a very difficult choice to make. Hopefully you'll enlighten us in your last post.
In any case, I hope you continue to write (whether about Hockey or not) as I think you truly have a gift where that is concerned.
Anon @12.28 As loose as you wanna call them, they still have championship rings that talk a lot louder then tight and cohesive do. So be happy with your tight and cohesive all you want. The skilled teams will continue to win and fill their rinks with fans.
Hi Donald! ♥ Glad that you checked in and that all is going well! :0)
Alaskana, JimJames, AKfan, SeawolvesFanatic, UAAfan, Suze, AKSWF, SeawolfFanNotinFlorida, Seawolfpunk, Cwoofie, AKhockey, BBEF, Mike, seawolfgirl, Anonymous's, and more Anonymous's, etc, etc, etc (b'cas that list was from memory :p): I hope that if DD shuts this down, there's a way to still get a message out to everyone so that (maybe? pretty please?) Alaskana will put up a game-day chat for away games.
It was kinda nice when Dallas put the game-day chats up, but they seemed to have disappeared after the Christmas break. Not sure why because there were quite a few people joining in. :-/
As busy as it may be, I can't stand the uscho site. Seriously.. how many "All things Denver" threads does a website need? So creative ..zZzzzzzzz!!! But if that's the only link to get the word out on any new blog, forum, chat, whatever.. guess I'll check that site for any info if this goes down. :0(
The other UAA forum at nabble is still available (for now) too: http://uaa-hockey-forum.969416.n3.nabble.com but I guess Donald will address all that when he checks in again.
We love you "Chi-town DD" ♥♥♥
Arcticfox! So glad to hear from you. Rest assured, if this blog does shutter (not sure what Donald had in mind, and if there is a continuation plan in effect that consider this void) I will try to start something to at least serve as a bridge until someone can take on the mantle of what Donald did. I'm not going to pretend that I can even come close to what Donald did, but I want there to be at least an online Seawolves presence that is seperate from what UAA produces. Even better, I think this should be a team effort.. lets all contribute.. You, me, Suze and everyone else you mentioned. I think it's safe to say we're die hard Seawolves fans and that together we can at least try to fill the void that this blog will be leaving. (Note to Donald, I don't begrudge or blame you for a second why you did what you did. You put in countless hours and .. nay .. YEARS! into this blog. You DESERVE your rest, your break. Yeah, maybe secretly I hope you will jump into college hockey blogging in the future, but I think I understand why you are doing what you are doing at this point, and for that I respect and applaud you.
In any case, I'm not trying to use this blog to poach or lure away a newer readership, but something has to be done to ensure the continuity of an unnoficial online Seawolves Hockey presence.
Let's do it, folks. Let's make this happen. Who's with me?
Hah, forgot to include an email address. It's Alaskana@hotmail.com. Kinda hard to start something if I don't give a reliable way to get a hold of me. :)
Hope you take the time to tour the Xcel Energy Center while in St. Paul.
How do you get the <3 <3 <3 in your post arcticfox?
Heh, maybe I was a bit over-ambitious in my bid to start a new fan blog or try to perpetuate this one. However, I think hosting a coveritlive style chat may be a good place to start, though. I'll probably have a chat room up (not sure where) on game nights when I can. We'll see how it goes.
Alaskana & Artic Fox, I wouldn't mind assisting in a blog. Nothing too big or expansive mind you, I am an engineering major :^} Just to let you know (A Seawolves Fanatic=AKSWF on game chat's and chatango)
Thanks for the show of support, AKSFW. And yeah with you being an engineering major (very cool, btw!), I would imagine free time is a luxury for you. And yeah I wasn't thinking of anything too major site-wise, just a place where regular Seawolves related posts would appear with the occasional pictures/video/stats/trash talk, etc, hopefully at least on Friday and Saturday, and maybe a weekend recap on Sunday.
We can wait and see what Donald has to say for his final post, and what (if any) continuity plans he has for this blog. Then if need be we could cobble something together.
Alaskana & AKSFW.. I was thinking the same thing :0) ~ We'll wait and see what DD has in store for this place, and if he does decide to pull the plug.. maybe we can slap something else up & take care of it together?
In the event that he pulls the plug, maybe DD will give us some advice on the good, bad & ugly he's dealt with while running this awesome blog? And like Alaskana mentioned, it doesn't hurt to research the various options out there..
BTW~ If anyone out there (all of you.. anonymous's and all) have some suggestions on good blog formats, please weigh in!! :0)
I guess the format DD's is using is "Blogger"? If we look around for something else, the capability of allowing users to add photos and live links would be nice. Here's my wish list ;0): something that allows members to add photos they take at games, etc. as well as live links, and of course.. one that has a chat we can pull up on away games. For those who like to post as anonymous, that would be a great option to keep too. And one where at least 3 of us can moderate it.. I'd also like hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances....... LOL......... just kidding!!
We don't need a chat as fancy as the one DD used to put up with all the smilies and sounds, but gotta admit.. it was kinda fun! Was that on THIS site? I don't remember now. :p Didn't the chat you put up before have smilies & stuff Alaskana?
Hey BBEF: You asked about the heart thingies ~~> ♥
All you have to do is copy & paste any of the following symbols and they'll work on here & most sites.
If anyone has never copied & pasted, you just highlight the item you want to copy, like this -> ♥ ..then go up to 'edit' at the top of your screen and click on "copy". Then click on the location you want the symbol to appear (the flashing cursor will appear in the location you select).. go back up to 'edit' and click on "paste" and ~whala~ you've just copied and pasted it!
All of these should work:
☀
☁
☂
★
☆
☠
☢
☣
☮
☺
♠
♡
♢
♤
♥
♦
♧
♪
♫
✄
That's it! ~~~~ ♡♡♡
My initial thoughts are that you guys will be welcome to use this blog ... I think that's certainly in the best interest of any readers regardless of how badly the UAA administration handled this. It isn't like I didn't try to give this blog to someone else numerous times over the last couple of years.
Make sure you each send me emails (and copy each other) so that I can figure out the easiest way for you all to access the necessary functions.
Thanks, Donald. I agree that this blog should continue to be the focal point for all things UAA Hockey and would have the best chance of succeeding as opposed to having others start anew independently and (as with a majority of blogs) ultimately fail due to low readership or disuse. As I'm sure you already know from you experience here getting and then retaining blog readership is a tough roe to hoe, so it would be in us fans best interest to take advantage of this site's well established built-in readership.
I'll email you soon (and hopefully others will as well) so we can get the ball rolling as Saturday's game is just around the corner.
arcticfox: Yeah, the chatroom you are referencing was one I tried out last spring. I thought it worked well and maybe we can continue to use it for game chats. I forgot what it was called so I'll have to do a little research. Oh and thanks for the icons. :)
Looks like a new player, Stephen Obarzanek, has just come on board. Thanks for the heads up, Seawolfpunk (via USCHO.com).
Correction: Make that Stephen Oberzanek.
Your welcome
Tanner Dusyk from Bonneyville Pontiacs AJHL signed with UAA today. He is leading his team in scoring so far this season.
Testing for you Arctic Fox
Yay! Got the problem fixed on my computer. I'm still trying to figure out this Apple, OS Lion, Safari, system.. :p
Hey! For anyone who didn't make it out to Eagle River (I couldn't go).. if you go to the goseawolves website & click on the word 'stats' (under where it says 'media') they have the NeuLion live scoreboard up! The little cartoon figures zipping around the sheet of cartoon ice are funny looking, but it's still nice that it's up!
It's in the 2nd period (halfway thru) and it's 1-0 Seawolves. Go to this link and click on 'stats' under the word 'media':
http://www.goseawolves.com/SportSelect.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=13400&SPID=6373&SPSID=58450
Oh and p.s.. Tyler Currier got the first goal of the season (exhibition game.. but so what!)
Maybe you guys are all out there? There was nobody here when I logged on according to that spinning globe except for me and some dude on the island of Mauritius off the coast of Zimbabwe.. :D
If anyone went out to Eagle River on this beautiful Saturday evening, let us know what you thought!
Final score was 3-1 with Currier, Gellert & Coldwell scoring for the Seawolves.
~ ♡
I was there and UAA came out really fired up, but that didn't last. I know it's only been a week of practice but there was a lot of rust on this team.
They did dominate the game and outshot Canada by a wide margin, but they didn't finish. They had a ton of power plays and I don't think they scroed one PP goal.
On the bright side, I really liked what I saw from the freshmen. Tatchell, Leask and Williams all looked strong. I wish we could have seen the freshman goalie, but time was split between Kamal and Gundy (who both played great).
I'd like to know what genius came up with the idea to give away ACES tickets to the winner of the UAA jersey? Come on! You couldn't have given away Seawolf hockey tickets?
UAA was terribly rusty tonight, had they played the U-18 team from Ann Arbor I think UAA would have lost 6-0. Regina couldn't skate or handle the puck and UAA barely managed to win. UAA will get killed by North Dakota and Minnesota.
10:24 ~ Thank for the recap! :0)
That's just NUTZ that they'd give away Aces tickets at a Seawolves game.. The Aces don't have a problem with attendance and if the NHL lockout isn't resolved soon, they'll definitely be packing 'em in with all the NHL'ers they have skating with them right now. :-O
Maybe UAA should start giving away Seawolves tickets at Aces games? Why not? :0)
At the game last night they handed out a roster sheet. Every UAA player was listed except Stephen Oberzanek. I hope he's not injured. Anyone know?
anon @ 10:43 - You're someone who likes to see the glass half empty, aren't you?
UAA was never in danger of losing so how can you say they barely managed to beat Regina? They were up 3-0 for most of the game and Regina had very few opportunities to score.
Give me a break.
RE: Kendall Classic ☀
I'm not sure if this is a good price or not.. but "KTUU Deals" (it's just like Groupon except that it's local) has a 2-for one deal up on their site for the next 3 days for your pick of either Friday or Saturday night.
$16 for two tickets to either night - - (it's reportedly half price)
If you go thru' "ticketbastard" via UAA's website, it's showing $25.05 for one ticket, either night's games. (I'm not sure if they tack on a surcharge before you finish checking out b'cas I didn't go to the last page while looking it up) :p
Anyway.. ~ just wanted to pass this along. Google "KTUU Deals" and you'll see it listed on the r-side of the screen.
Can't wait to hear Kurt's voice again! ☺☺☺
~ ♡ ~ ♡ ~ ♡ ~ ♡ ~ ♡ ~ ♡~ ♡ ~ ♡ ~ ♡~ ♡ ~
Arcticfox, thanks for the heads up on the KTUU Deals. :) I will definitely be there Friday night, not sure about Saturday though. I'm looking forward to seeing Canisius get bit by the Wolves. >:)
Whoa, they didn't broadcast the exhibition game on radio arcticfox?
ASWF~ I can't remember the last time they had an exhibition game on the radio. ♫ I always assumed it was because they hold them out of town (Soldotna, Wasilla, Eagle River, etc.) but I dunno..
The Aces should be on the air for their pre-game show in about 15 minutes for anyone who cares.. Should be interesting to see how Dubinsky & the rest of the NHL boys play! :D -- (On KFQD 103.7 FM or 750 AM)
I think the last I can remember for sure was two seasons ago. I don't ever miss a broadcast from Kurt unless I'm at the game, and I don't know for sure if there was a radio broadcast last season. Does anybody know for sure?
Kurt was at the game, but he was a fan, not working,,,,
ninelives
I remember three years ago they broadcast their 9-0 win against SAIT Polytechnic in Wasilla. It wasn't Kurt Haider thought, it was some other younger guys.
WTF are they thinking charging $25 per game when they have 2,000 people or less at games? I used to go to a lot of games because I got in free with my student ID, now I am close to graduating, and cannot get free tickets because I only have 1 class--I guess I'm not a student now in their eyes.
A lot of the time it wasn't easy to get somebody to go to the game with free admission; they lose the majority of games, play a boring style of play, the horrible arena has no atmosphere, and until recently you couldn't drink anywhere in the stands (believe it or not a lot of people going out on Fri/Sat want to have a few beers).
I like the team, and like going to the games more than I like going to the Aces' games, but I doubt I will go to a single game in the first-half if I have to drop $25 to get in, and $5+ to park. I think you can get $15 tickets too, that's better, but not much.
Suze, the were have a lot of difficulty getting much by that goalie, and for how poorly Regina skated and handled the puck they should have played better. They were very sloppy throughout the game. It was 1-0 going into the 3rd.
Anon 10:55 is totally right. The arena atmosphere is killing them. First of all, get a d.j. who isn't 60 years old? I always wondered who was doing the games and playing such awful music and finally saw who it was in Eagle River and thought, well, that pretty much explains it. More fans should complain and get someone to d.j. who is much younger. Please stop playing those annoying soundbites such as "awesome", "sit down in your seat", and songs like the Zamboni song and playing "let's get ready to rumble" in the middle of a period. So awkward and stupid. Please get someone who actually studies music and what is in the now and what music they play at NHL games, rather than creating one list and playing it year after year with nothing new. I d.j.'d in another state and you don't play music simply for the sake of playing music and hitting play on the next song on your list irregardless of the game situation. When you play the right songs in key situations it energizes the crowd and the players. This current d.j. makes it feel like a kindergarten grad party from 1980.
I don't think the DJ in Eagle River is the same guy at the Sully ... the DJ at the Sully looks to be in his 30's maybe.
When Derek Donald was in charge of getting butts in the seats I spoke with him at length about getting new music and he acted like he couldn't be bothered, saying you can't please everyone. He said they get complaints no matter what they play.
To the UAA student (Oct. 8th, 10:55 PM).. You're right that $25 seems steep!
It would be interesting to see how it compares to other D1 tournaments that are being held.
Have you stopped into the Athletics Office about student ticketing? Just because you'll be graduating soon and are only taking one class now doesn't mean you're no longer a UAA student. With their attendance woes, they should be paying full and part time students to go!
Seriously though. I'd stop in there and talk to them about it!!
If you have a wolf card, you can show that at the Athletics Office & buy a 10-pack of tickets to any games throughout the season (including the Classic) for $50.00 ($5 a game) but it still seems like you should be getting free student tickets to me. :0(
Speaking of students.. UAA is running a shuttle to the Sully on both Friday & Saturday nights for free (saves on the parking fee!)
The info for students on where to catch them is on their homecoming info page: http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/homecoming/uaa-homecoming-schedule.cfm
Students get free parking passes from the Athletic Department if they don't want to ride the shuttle. Just bring your Wolfcard to the main Athletic Department office and you can get one for each night. The reason a student doesn't get free tickets when they are taking 1 to 5 credits is because they don't pay the athletic fee. But a regular student can purchase a companion ticket for $5.00 which is still a deal. If you're a part time student you have to have at least ONE friend that can purchase that for you. And remember that the ticket prices for this weekend's tournament are for a "session" ticket. Two games, not one so they are a bit higher. But the higher prices are for reserve seats. General admission tickets are cheap when you consider the two games you get. There are ways for students taking less than 6 credits to get in for a very reasonable price so figure it out and take advantage of it. Yes the Sully has a lot of empty seats but that doesn't mean there's no value to the tickets. It's still a lot cheaper when you consider you can buy a ticket for $5.00 to the hockey game while a movie or a beer at some places is higher but no one seems to have a problem with that. Support the team and quit complaining. It's still a good deal. The Athletic Department has a lot of expenses to pay for putting on a game at the Sullivan. Decide if you want to support the Seawolves or just complain about everything! The players want and appreciate your support.
Glad they'll be running the shuttle for students this season. They used to do that years ago ... hopefully students will take advantage of it!!
Is Donald going to do any posting this season? 92% of the time I enjoyed his point of view and quick wit, sarcasm included.
I'm a UAF fan and still read this blog because, in spite of our differences as fans, I think Donald and I are kindred spirits, in language and world view. Best hockey blog I know of, in spite of the fact that UAA sucks.
Vizoroo & UAF fan, I hope Donald decides to continue on with this blog too. There are a few of us who will pitch in to try & keep either this one or a new one up if he decides to pull out, but it sure won't be the same. :0(
Hey.. it's HOCKEY NIGHT !!! :D
I'm going start a chat room somewhere for tonight's game. Once I set it up I'll give a link to it. I'll be at the game and will hopefully try to keep with it. I'd use the chatroom on this site but it's kind of painful to use.
Only 92% viz? Why is that? Is the 8% when D bashes on DU and or we win against you?
Chat room's up! Here ya go:
http://tinychat.com/alaskana
I won't be in the room until about gametime, but feel free to log on and start chatting away.
Nanooks v Air Force just ended with a tie score, 3-3. No scoring in 5 min OT & Nooks win in a shootout.
OMG, too funny!
Sparky, or Spirit or whatever he's called these days fell down the second he walked out of the inflated Seawolf tunnel. Poor thing!!
Wish Donald would put up a game day thread for those of us at the game to send in observations and crap
Anyone else having issues with the audio not working at the UAA website?
Yeah, that was kind of painful to watch Spirit fall. People still cheered for him though, so at least it wasn't too bad.
Anyways, the game is 0-0 with the Seawolves at 6 sog and the griffins at 5 as well. I'd say they are pretty evenly matched.
Not the best attendance ever for a Friday night Classic, but reportedly the Denaina Center is standing room only w UAA students at the Homecoming. Hope we see some of them tomorrow night.
SCORE DOCKEN !!!!!
End 2nd
UAA 1 - Griffins 0
SOG: UAA 17 - Griffins 11
SCORE SCOTT ALLEN!!!!!
Ugh. Stay out of the box guys!
KAMAL F'n ROCKED !!!!!!
What fun! By the way, the northern lights are out big time right now!!
Hope the Canisius guys look up at the sky tonight ~ they are swirling across the Anchorage sky! :0)
Suze, did you ever get the broadcast up & running? I tried using the "tune-in" radio app on the iPhone, but when I tried to pull up 550... it kept putting the baseball playoffs on. :p
Great listening to Kurt & Tuttle on the way home though! :D
Wow. Wow. Wow. Northern lights are seriously curtaining the sky right now!!
You know I have sparred with DD over the years but I miss his rants and pontifications and I was wondering how we get him to come back? Isn't there someone that can post something after the games. Not a fan of Woody.
Anon 9:13 AM - I hope DD comes back too, but he's in Chicago now and we have to give him time to decide what he wants to do with this place. :0(
Doyle Woody is away at a wedding this week, but Matt Nevala did the article in the ADN for last night's game:
http://www.adn.com/2012/10/12/2659071/uaa-wins-hockey-opener-with-2.html
Proud of you Seawolves fanatic, i wondered who would figure out the remaining 8%. And basically it is whenever DU plays UAA.
Seems to me there have been some pretty heated games over the last few years especially at Magness. And of course the verbal battle between Suze and Old Pio two years ago was epic.
I'll be hosting the chat room once again tonight at http://www.tinychat.com/alaskana. All are welcome (even opposition fans). :)
Here's the video feed (free!):
http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/uaa.portal?DB_OEM_ID=13400#
Click on 'Alaska Anchorage Men's Ice Hockey Vs. Air Force' on the right hand side of the page that loads.
Hah! I try. Attendance will be down this week, homecoming last night coupled UFC 153 (Silva vs. Bonnar) live tonight at 6pm, its expected to be a little more empty than usual Classic Weekend.
Seawolves Fanatic, actually attendance tonight (Sat) is pretty damn good! Falcons 2 - UAA 1. Goooo Seawolves!
Gorgeous breakaway by Bailey SHORT-HANDED ties it up 2-2
And of course the end score was 3-3 after AF tied it up with 0.2 seconds remaining. You read that right. Of course it was 6-4, so chances were good
that something was going to happen. Reminded me of St. Cloud.
Regardless, UAA still won then Kendall!
I meant to say it was a 6-4 man advantage when they made the tie score with 0.2 seconds left.
The DJ had great music again last night, "Ice Ice Hockey", Jeopardy theme music during review. Nothing cliche at all. Clap-Clap De-fense football music on the PK. AWESOME!
I stand corrected for Saturday night. And heck yeah the music has been much better than I can ever remember.
Anon at 8:50, you must be using sarcasm in your statement, right? I mean, De-Fense music isn't intended for hockey and is pretty dumb.
As far as this blog goes, yes DD has moved away, but JJ is still here. Isn't this a dual partnership? JJ are you willing to keep it goin'?
I'm glad you mentioned that AKfan. I don't get it why JJ and DD are posting over on the USCHO website, yet have both fled the scene here? Why post there and not here?
Yes, I was making fun of and ridiculing the music. Not sure how anyone can say it's been better. The DJ is an embarrassment. He knows nothing about the flow of a game and obviously never does any research. He compiled his list 20 years ago and has never changed it. He takes a bad song like Ice Ice baby and finds a worse version to play.
I'm still waiting for that band that Cobb PROMISED all us die hard fans a few years ago. Oh right ...
By the way, you can message the University fan page on Facebook and message them complaints or of course write on their wall. Maybe if enough people complain they'll get someone younger and not stuck in effing 1980 in there.
Alaskana~
Will you be able to put up a chat tomorrow night? I was thinking about going to the Aces game (kind of neat that Davis Payne is dropping the puck!) but I don't think I'm going to go...
If you're not able to, I guess we can always use the little one on the right hand side of this blog? :p
GCI is evidently airing the AFN tomorrow, so no hockey on channel 1. That's okay though, Kurt is better than t.v. anyway! :D
~~~~~~~ ♡
I think the games will be on the internet and America One. Chat sounds good to me though, but last weekend Alaskana and I were the only ones there. Probably cause most fans were at the game.
The game will be OnDemand afterwards, whenever that is.
The world series is on the radio. I paid $20 for a season pass to watch or listen to the games on the UAA website (Spleash Zone), and so far I haven't been able to get ANY of their links to work. Why did I pay for it then?
its on the radio Suze. I'm listening right now
Seawolfpunk
New chat room up for UND UAA game here:
http://tinychat.com/q1k91
Ugh, not a pretty game tonite here in Bearflanks. The boys still look like they haven't found their center as a whole. They had some good shots here and there but ultimately they had too many plays that broke down, plus there were lots of missed passes and scoring opportunities that could have been game changers had they been carried through. It's hard to be critical of he Wolves but UND mopped the floor with us tonight. To use a political metaphor we were President Obama during the first presidential debate and UND was Romney. Hopefully the boys will 'go Biden' on Merrimak tomorrow (and UND next weekend).
America One $8 total bought both games last night
Not HD but very good resolution, no jerky or delayed stuff. Kurt calling the game. Our freshmen looking good for freshmen and team getting better. No complaints with their effort. All in all things looking up.
New chat room for tonight's game against Merrimak:
http://tinychat.com/gbwv4
Sorry bout all the shifting rooms, I'll see if I can get a permanent tinychat room up for the rest of the season.
Thanks for the chat Alaskana. Nice to see the big win for the Wolves!
Scott Allen made all Goal Rush tournement team
No problem Suze! See you guys next week for the big UND series in Grand Forks. :)
Congrats to Scott Allen, well deserved. Too bad the UA_ fans had to boo when it was announced. Bush league. Very poor hosts. Don't the fans realize that is a reflection of their team and school?
Very true AKfan @1:40 PM. I'm a nanook fan and was at all 4 games this weekend. I am embarassed by the idiots who booed the all star selections. I cheered, the kid played great. Heck I even clap politely when the opposing teams are introduced, when booing is a little more to be expected. But to boo an all star selection, I couldn't believe I heard it. Bush league for sure.
What was with that UAA team that played Merrimack? It surely wasn't the same team that played UND on Friday. Well, the first 5 minutes of the UND game, UAA was taking it to them, but the last 55 minutes was not the same team that played on Saturday.
Good luck to you, except the Gov. cup of course... I'll be back to being a hater for those games. But those games look like they'll be great games if both the Seawolves and Nanooks play the same way they did Saturday. And neither team should be bottom dwellers in their conferences as predicted.
Donald, please do a blog post for this weekend’s series between UND and UAA… For old time sake please.
New Chatroom for the UND Vs. Seawolves game here:
http://www.tinychat.com/alaskana
This should be the permanent address for all games the rest of this season. See you guys there!
Brad Gorham signed try out contract with the aces for the weekend. Right On Brad! Thanks for filling in for Kane who is out with a head injury. :( So, that means poor wood head will have to write about a seawolf this weekend. On the good side of that, when Brad does well, he'll have to write something good for a change. Poor woody, feel sorry for ya man
Go Seawolves! Best of luck in ND this weekend :)
Thank you to Alaskana, Suze, akswf, curious, a couple of un-named guests, and and to our special guest "Gundy's papa" for another FUN chat!! ♥♡♥
(Damn. Why do I feel like I'm forgetting someone in that list? :-/ )
In any event... the Sioux got the best of us tonight with a 4-1 win, but I've gotta tell ya .. Seawolves fans have a way of having fun and enjoying themselves regardless of the outcome. It was a completely upbeat, NO-whining zone, FUN gathering! ~ ☀☀☀
If you didn't stop into the chat that Alaskana put up, the link is a couple of posts up so join us tomorrow evening! :0)
And finally.... Alaskana ~~~~> you ROCK! ☆☆☆ ~ Thank you!! ☆☆☆
Yes, thanks alaskana! That was enjoyable.
UAA recruit, Tanner Dusyk, is his teams leading scorer with 7 goals and 8 assists in 11 games! Great job Tanner!
If anyone has forgot, Donald is the biggest damn baby on the interweb... good riddence d-bag
Anon at 3:57, come clean - we know you're a DU fan. Nice how your fan base picks on the Tech fans as well. Real classy. Can't wait till your team gets in the SLUT league and DU is at the bottom of the standings. We won't miss Denver or Gwozwimpy.
You sure are obsessed with DD. I guess he got under your skin with the truth, eh? ;)
Thanks Arctic & Suze. Losing isn't so bad when you have others to commiserate with. :) Here's hoping for a knock out blow from the Seawolves tonight.
FUN game, we shoulda won that one. Every UAA player gave it their all, and that kind of effort and "will to win" needs to be there every game. Play like that at home and the fans will come back.
Gundy's mom and grandmother were at the Friday game, I hope they got to see the Saturday night game!
Gundy played awesome!!
The fans are long lost. They aren't coming back anytime soon. The Aces are THE game in town these days, get used to it!
Just because you say so doesn't make it so. All it takes are some good seasons from UAA and some losing seasons from the Aces. Remember, it wasn't ALL that long ago that the Aces were for sale on EBAY. ;)
Anon 1:01...there's room for 2. Please keep attending the Aces, I'm guessing but from your comments it looks as if your'e in the demographics they're shooting for.
You see there are many folks in this town who won't settle for minor league hockey. UAA can and will fill the stands again...it just won't be the Sully and us fans are OK with this.
Even with three NHL players on the Aces roster, some Aces fans are bemoaning the house isn't full and have resorted to begging Anchortown to attend Aces games. Hmmmm.
Pickering is retiring from hockey due to his repeated concussions. I wish him all the best with his studies.
Nice article about Tatchell in the ADN.
Well that game sucked. Jon Olthuis was the color guy ... is he living in Anchorage?
Indeed, AKfan. I was there and uh, yeah that was painful. Here's for a better showing tomorrow night.. I don't think the rodents should expect such a docile team tonight however. The Seawolves will be pissed and ready to go.
I think in Talkeetna Akfan. Anyways yeah last night was bad, but in the near end of the 2nd period it was the loudest it's been since we came back against UND two seasons ago. There seems to be some real hatred between these teams, and even though we lost that was one of the most intense games I've seen. Not to mention entertaining, we had our chances but we just couldn't capitalize. Here's to a better game tonight!
Also, look for Gundy to start tonight. Kamal has thus far started all Friday night games (1-3-0 now), and Gundy has stared all Saturday games (1-0-2).
Was there a game this weekend?
Has this blog been abandoned by its owner?
Come on Donald! You've been on the USCHO, why not continue here? You once said that NOBODY cared more about UAA hockey than you, NOBODY. Time to prove it.
AKfan where do I find this USCHO blog?
Anon @ 9:26: go to www.uscho.com and look under div 1 men's forum. Donald posts as uaafanblog. :-)
Is it just me, or does it seem forever since we've played a game?
Virgil
Alaskana, you opening up the chat tonight? I was just over there, but couldn't get in. :D ~~Thanx!
We're in the chat for the game, join us!
Alaskana~ Thanks once again for providing the chat link for us! ♡
Even though you, DD, and a few of our other regulars couldn't join us.. we managed to have fun. :0)
Head's up UAA fans (and BBEF): If you feel like chatting during tomorrow's game with the best fans on the planet ;) .....that means you too Gundy's pop! ♥ ..drop by Alaskana's chat link--->
http://tinychat.com/alaskana
Tonight's UAA fan's that are in the doghouse are >>>>>>> (((drumroll)))) ........... Seawolfpunk & JimJamesAK. You two are SO BUSTED.. Who on earth would rather hang with the uscho crowd (gag me with a mooseburger) than to spend quality cyber-time with your own comrades? Who I ask you---- You two... that's who... :p
LOL! (I still love you)
I thought it was funny that Kurt mentioned a couple times that the Seawolves showed a bit of rink rust, then the first thing Kevin Wells said on his broadcast tonight was "....After sitting out last weekend, the Seawolves hockey team showed no sign of rust tonight..." Bwwaaaahaaaa! I think I'll stick with Kurt's observations.. ;)
See U all tomorrow! 4:07 p.m. game time. Bring pizza!
~ ☀ ~ ☆ ~ ♡ ~ ♥ ~ ☀ ~ ☆ ~ ♡ ~ ♥ ~ ☀~
Be there or be square!!
AwwWwWww rat's ass! Scotty Allen's awesome evening of two goals and an assist just haddddd to be halted by a last minute (very untimely) penalty putting an abrupt stop to our otherwise glorious power play. >:0(
"If it weren't for bad luck, we'd have no luck at all" ~ ♪♫♪
Welp.. The good news is that we're only 6 games in. The bad news is that Donald is no where to be found! :-O (Hey Donald, pssst: we miss you!)
♡♡ Thanks again for the chat link Alaskana! See U next weekend! ♡♡
No problem, Arcticfox! Sorry I wasn't able to make the chat, I had family in town, but was happy to put the rooms up this weekend. I'll have them back up for SCSU even though I will probably be at one of the games. Take care and lets break this no win streak! :)
Ok, so it's a Bemidji based set of photos, but there are a few Seawolves. But for the nifty between the legs pass shown near the end, the Seawolves sure had the momentum to win the second game. If scored like a boxing match, Seawolves win the series on points.
UAA v Bemidji:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov4kUXlwSDk
Does anyone know if there will be live video on the UAA website of the games? Thanks in advance.
Sarah, you can get video here:
http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/uaa.portal?DB_OEM_ID=13400#
Click on the St. Cloud game in the list to get the stream. :)
PS I forgot to mention that you need to click on the word 'Watch' above 'Live Stats' and not just on the yellow game link.
So I see yet another player is leaving under the Shyiak regime how many does that make? - huh
Sounds like he wants to play where he can get more ice time.
Is this blog on auto-pilot now?
Pretty much, Anon @ 7:02. I am sure at some point Donald will be making a decision regarding what he wants to do with this blog, but for now the comments section in this article (and the chat section on the main page) are the ways to communicate. And yeah I agree about Corbin wanting more ice time. I don't blame him one bit, and I do think it was mutual between him and Shyiak. Methinks no drama here.
They were awfully flat all nite. Makes me wonder if some were playing sick? Hope not. Keep the faith! We've done worse. Safe travels home.
Poor guys didn't get home until close to 11:pm last night due to weather delays in Minneapolis.
The topic on this blog seems really stale. It was created three months ago tomorrow and is up to 167 comments.
I hope the blog owner didn't pass away or become ill. Blogger will just go on pretty much forever without moderation or updates when that happens.
Ponts
Ugh! Another loss!! Come on Cobb, hire a new hockey coach. Shyiak is out of his league ... he just isn't cutting it. Never did actually.
You've given him more than enough chances, now it's time to get serious about finding a coach who can turn this team around!!
The fans and boosters have spoken by staying home, Cobb. It's time to listen and take action.
I have to agree with the above comment. It is time to shut this blog down.
Long overdue.
Anon @ 10:30pm 12/15,
Lol at how your quote about how Alaska " isn't even a hasbeen, you're a never was."
Got that from The Mighty Ducks movie, did ya?! Yeah, I watched it...I certainly don't go around quoting the movie! I bet you have every Mighty Ducks movie there is. Go live in your Disney movies, kid.
The problem is conditioning. We don't have the stamina to keep up with the big dogs. Shyiak needs to hire a skating and conditioning coach. Do they even have one? If they do, they need be fired. Our kids cannot simply play 60 min of hockey. I don't get it. Sometimes they come out flying, sometimes flat. It's like they are not prepared. These kids know how to play. They grew up playing hockey since they were little tykes. They need a better conditioning coach. And quit making fancy plays and the over-passing and shoot the damn puck! Take a shot! Any shot is a good shot as long as it's on net. And these 5 min hits are killing us, keep it clean. Learn how to hit! If you see his back, back off and play the puck not the body. Anyways, I wish these guys well. But they need proper conditioning and a stronger drill system.
You hit the nail on the head, they are NOT prepared. And that's on the coach. We need a NEW COACH NOW.
The problem is talent...it hurts but its true.
I disagree about the talent. Do we have all those draft picks? No, but they have proven they can compete with the best in the league. They are too inconsistent and ill prepared, and you can't keep losing talented freshmen every off season and expect to build a winning team.
Cannot post here on an iPad any longer. If I were an athletic "director" I think I might be going in a new "direction" by now. I like Dave but cannot support his style of hockey for UAA any longer. We average what in WCHA play somewhere around one goal a game. Need fans? Not going to happen if you cannot put the puck in the net. Seriously why we let Cobb ruin our hockey program?
I've started my own site:
http://seawolfpack.blogspot.com/
It is nice to see the team introduced in the dark with a spotlight on them. Welcome to the way it's done UAA. And you couldn't have done this years ago WHY???
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