dagies

Everything starts with the head person. Assistants only have so much ability to affect things because they are not the ultimate authority. I know this from my career. People know who has the power and who doesn't. Who has the ultimate authority. Doesn't mean assistants are meaningless, but they have less ability to steer the program direction than we might expect. Agree with those saying talk is cheap, let's see what the play on the ice tells us. That said, I'd rather have exp players tell us they think this is a good move, not going "well, if they couldn't get anyone else...."

If I recall, UND has brought in some very valuable portal players very late in the game (no pun intended) I agree. I hate the portal (as a fan). But as a student athlete, I can totally understand it. As a fan I wish it would go away. But since it's here, use it.

I don't think this sounds so surprising at all. Sounds like Chaves had concerns about the direction of the program, like so many here have posted about their own concerns over the course of this season. If he really does have a standard post-season meeting and Berry came in with "we're almost there, just a few bad breaks, just gotta keep doing what we're doing" plan, then Chaves might have decided "ok, it's time to make a switch". I'm not saying that's what happened. But reading that story and thinking about what he said, this is extremely plausible. Remember the old saw "The simplest explanation is the most likely".

Wait. I thought Schlossman didn't write any stories that cast a negative light on the program. 🤷‍♂️

Truth Also, it will not change that in college hockey, an average "man" can be as effective as a young future superstar. The physical and mental maturity, the experience playing against mature men, are all talent levelers. You can't win without talent, but juniors and seniors are almost necessary to end of the year success. See some of the recent past Boston teams full of "blue chippahs".

Thank you for this link! I'm good with that but there could be good options the experts on this board aren't aware of, so we'll see how it shakes out. I don't think he precludes that. I think he's talking about getting guys who are committed to being here. if they are good enough to go pro after 2, so be it. But let's not take a guy who is going to go to another program because he didn't get PP time.

How much NIL money will the hockey program need to remain competitive with the big schools?

So you're going to get BOTH guys

👌

Has he done much so far? Plus, seems like he had some eligibility issues? Or am I mistaken?

Usually a press conference is held immediately when the new coach hits town. Since Jax is here, guessing every waking moment (and many of the rest) have been spent communicating with players (current or prospective), finalizing assistants, etc. No time for an earlier presser. No need to acknowledge recruiting shortcomings and throw shade at the previous coach. Just fix it, that's all.

I guess that shows how good we are at speculation-based righteous indignation....

IIRC Blais, when he left, said something to the effect of his thinking 10 years about about the expiration date in one place. Of course, that can be different for everyone. But from my own experience in business I know one can get comfortable in a job over time and as they get older. Not saying this applies to Berry. Just a plausible explanation.

Guilty as charged! 😄 Thanks! I was reading thru this thread trying to remember his name and wondering if my memory was still accurate this many years later!

Maybe we should just wait and see what he does and who he hires in the near future before we get too bent out of shape?