dagies

Why is no one talking about Colten St. Clair as an assistant option? He's got quite a track record in the USHL in very difficult circumstances.

This Kernan kid sounds like a great addition to the program. I love the intangibles that his coach talks about. Cameron Berg type?

Exactly x2

Whatever the NIL deal is, also gets paid to the "losing" school

My recollection was he meant that you lose your edge after about 10 years...and time for a new challenge. Things can be in tension. If you're making a commitment to a recruit and expecting them to honor their side of it, I totally get you can't just Mike Eaves a kid and I respect Berry for standing up to his commitments, regardless how they turn out. Not saying that's what he did or didn't do. And I know that can be in tension with winning at all costs. Tough spot for a coach who feels their word is their bond, especially these days.

Hadn't considered that angle but this feels very plausible. Not only the NCAAs but the USHL and other junior leagues (or CHL?) are still playing so maybe he's waiting for any number of attractive options to finish up their seasons (St. Clair, Smaby, Herter, etc...)

Niece played basketball at a D3 private school that didn't provide athletic scholarships. Like you said, they found other scholarships via the educational path to compensate.

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?

This will help for next year

Congrats Dane! Well earned.

Thanks to whoever mentioned the Live in Five podcast with Jordan Schmaltz and Gage Ausmus. After listening I'm all in on giving Jackson a shot. They were clear that an assistant can change the tone of a program once they become head coach. Also, that Jackson is best positioned and committed to instill true Sioux hockey tradition in incoming players, and expect all players to live up to the expectations. They also said he's got the smarts to plan game strategy and make in-game adjustments. And let's not forget the guy has toiled away waiting for his chance. We'll never get anyone more committed. Does that guarantee success? No. But I would rather ride or die with that coach than an unknown from out of the area. Doesn't mean they couldn't be great. Just that's how I'd make my choice.