UMassHoops.com

econalum · Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 8:20 pm Post subject:

While we HARDLY represent all folks following UMASS hockey, we are avid UMASS sports fans, with differing passions based on the numerous UMASS sports.

I am not hearing/seeing a passionate defense of Toot as the 'answer', more like 'could we do better with someone else', but it is somehow up to us to name that person. I reject that.

It is NOT the role of this board to 'find' a new coach. That is the role of a search committee. What is the role of this board is to reflect the satisfaction level of fans, and ask impolitic questions, perhaps naive or even 'mean'. But, calling the question is fair on a public figure.

In the end, sports is an investment at the D1 level - in the UMASS brand, and in achieving success. Since the hockey success has been ephemeral or occasional, at best, in recent years, I decided to start the post to call the question.

What Toot wants is just that, what "he wants". Does he "deserve" what he seems to be asking for, in terms of near 'lifetime tenure'?

I think not.

After more than a decade - are we on the upswing, are we dominant, are we happening? Are are we on the fringes, grasping at straws and the occasional upset? More likely the latter.

I contrast Toot with Lax Coach Cannella. He is doing so much more, with so much less, it is ridiculous. He is competing with the both the top Lax programs in the U.S., but also the most prestigious academic colleges, who have an easy time recruiting athletes.

Whether or not Toot has a final contract year, I am not seeking him to be bought out - I am saying that his contract after next year should not be renewed, and a search started 'in the background' so we are prepared if/when the trigger needs to be pulled.

Econ
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InnervisionsUMASS · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 8:58 am Post subject:

^

It isn't our role, no. No one here (I don't think) will be named to any search committee anytime soon. That isn't my point.

If we replace Toot right now, I just do not believe we are going to find someone that A) really wants to come here, and B) will improve on where we have been over the last 10 years.
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Stop waiting for UMass to do something big and help UMass do something big. - Shades

jjmc85 · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 10:21 am Post subject:

I'd think someone would really want to come here. Mullins Center is one of the nicer rinks and the team plays in one of, if not the best, conferences in the NCAA. Plus, there is a proven fanbase for UMass hockey as well as a fairly recent alumn who is setting records in the NHL. I think it is a very desireable job for college hockey coaches.

As to B), I find it hard to believe that absolutely no one can bring better results than what we've had in the last 10 years. At least, I really hope that's not the case, otherwise these are the glory years of UMass hockey. Shocked

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InnervisionsUMASS · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 10:25 am Post subject:

^

I don't think we can find both. We will either find someone who is successful and pulls a Travis on us, or we will find someone who wants to be here (for all the reasons you stated) but we won't be any or much better.
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Stop waiting for UMass to do something big and help UMass do something big. - Shades

bleedmaroon · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 10:57 am Post subject:

bleedmaroon · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 11:22 am Post subject:

meff · Senior Joined: 10 Nov 2003 Posts: 895 Location: Hanover

I wouldn't call it baiting, I knew you would respond. Very Happy

As far as Bazin, my wife who probably knows more about hockey than most here was wondering why Bazin hadn't moved east before, and even said last year when the job was open it made sense if he wanted to move east since he was alum. What he has done is amazing, and it shows what great talent Blaise can recruit. Lets see how he does once he gets his players, I imagine Lowell will be a 4-6 team for the next few years.

I don't want anyone to think I'm content with 8th place, I'm not at all happy with it. I just worry about getting put into a death spiral like Providence was in for the last 10 years with a bad hire.

I do think we can get a top notch coach however, between the league and the facilities, I just don't know who that would be at this point in time, Leaman would have been a great hire at UMass to be honest, but that ship has sailed. If we are going to be playing fantasy AD, UMass does have an alum in the coaching ranks that is doing pretty well right now that might be worth talking to when/if the time comes.

bleedmaroon · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 3:41 pm Post subject:

meff · Senior Joined: 10 Nov 2003 Posts: 895 Location: Hanover

She used to post, doesn't have as much time at work anymore as she used to.

And Nate Leaman is a good coach, anyone that can get Union on a winning track has to be! I think Providence will really see the benifits in the next few years.

And yes I was thinking of Dean Stork, who knows if he even wants to coach at the college level, I would imagine he would have to be on the 'call list'. So who would you pick?

alan · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 8:32 pm Post subject:

Jeez, meff I thought you were talking about Justin when you said, "UMass does have an alum in the coaching ranks that is doing pretty well right now that might be worth talking to when/if the time comes."

Wink

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Rocks22 · Hall of Fame Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Posts: 9191

meff · Senior Joined: 10 Nov 2003 Posts: 895 Location: Hanover

Can't have the press on the search committee

justin · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 10:24 pm Post subject:

bleedmaroon · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 11:13 pm Post subject:

Bubba · Junior Joined: 24 Sep 2005 Posts: 571

As a fan I would love to see Dean come in under Toot and Blaise for now. Have him be Toot's successor. I can't see that happening, because I don't see any of them wanting such a thing.