Brett0909

I, for one, personally put a lot of stock in the maturity and trustworthiness of a completely unbiased poster (family member) who responds to (or was involved in) fake accounts pretending to be Dane’s son to slander him, and brings such important insights as “super gay” into the discussion. If nothing else, does perpetuate that there’s some bad blood there which is too bad for the UND family regardless of where we’re at today. Makes you wonder given how emphatically the players got behind Jax.

Like many others, I’m starting to come around and get on board with Dax. He wasn’t my first choice, as some magical fresh start and mystery candidate that would blow us away was so appealing. But, mostly I was just frustrated with what we’ve seen most of the last decade. It’s requiring me to put away my Internet ego, that even though I know I don’t have the facts, I somehow know better than the AD & Martinson, previous & existing players, NHL/AHL GM’s, (rumor) Hak’s endorsement, etc. Some food for thought for those pissed that the “players are holding this decision hostage“.. these players: 1) know hockey at an elite level with exposure to the best, and worst of coaches out there, 2) are deeply personally invested in their development, skills, and ability to get to the next level 3) get to see Jax every day, and are giving their full vote of confidence that they’d rather play for him than any other coach in the country (college or next-level of pro), 4) know that he is going to be no nonsense and push them extremely hard, but are still willing to run through a wall for him, 5) came to UND to WIN, and 6) know exactly what is, and isn’t, going on within that locker room including Barry being out, and are getting immediately behind Jax. I’m not saying that the players should be able to make the decision or should make threats about the outcome, but why shouldn’t they have an important voice in the hiring decision of who’s the right guy to lead them and their peers? To me, this makes them a very reliable indicator of who’s the right man for the job. If you lineup all of those points above, they hit on nearly everything that we as a fan base want to see in the next head coach, and the players certainly know better than any of us what they’re getting with him. The biggest thing still remaining for me is can he modernize the game and make the decisions that will keep them at an elite level, given all of his recent experience is executing the systems and product that we’ve been seeing and are frustrated with. I’m cautiously optimistic his choices in the staff he builds around him will be enough to put this to rest. Plus as an added bonus, the guy will work harder than anyone, bleeds green, and if he does find big success.. is much more likely to stick around and continue it vs. just using it to quickly leapfrog into the NHL.

True, but UND needs Brad as much as he needs them. A “national powerhouse” college hockey team that doesn’t even have local sports coverage because they demand only positive coverage? A hugely passionate fan base that can’t even read about their team? Not good for business. Brad probably does get ripped on too much. But he also fanboys out in some bizarre ways. The defense of “bad luck”, “hot goalie’d”, “statistically they should have won!”, “but a defenseman was injured”, and providing zero acknowledgment of Berry’s postseason performance struggles (or other reasons) why he was let go and instead criticizing the decision? It makes it hard to take him seriously- that’s all I’m saying. Maybe like some on here he feels the need to over-index as a way of balancing out the fans sometimes unreasonable expectations, but it comes across as lopsided coverage.

This is taken to the extreme. I never said he should report gossip nor was I suggesting that personal situations between players or coaches need to be aired (Jamernik etc.). I was simply trying to point out that people should know what to expect - PR approved/spun media that isn’t going to ruffle feathers and occasionally his bias on how he feels about things. And people have a right to be critical if they want or infer meaning from how he writes an article that is spun to a specific narrative - either because UND no longer allows him to report anything unfavorable and/or that he never pushes on any real topics because UND holds his access over his head.

Fair point. But when you publicly come out emphatically for or against a preferred outcome for the next coach…without using that insider info to inform your conclusion…and then also withhold that information from your paid subscribers who instead learn info from fan forums…you can’t complain when your readers are disappointed and cry “bias”, can you? If journalists can’t be trusted to fairly report the news and instead only report what the team approves as favorable, they SHOULD lose credibility and be considered entertainment not journalism. Suspect this is just the reality of GFK if you want any access to the team, and not Schloss’s preference. Miss the days when they reported at least some of the player scandals and inside challenges, vs this recent PR only spin on things. But those days are likely gone.

No, you’d just make broad accusations about someone’s character, ability to pass the BAR, and having a criminal history because they ducked a minor cab fee in college - clearly the moral high ground, much better show of class and character right there.

Sure, he definitely has paths to more money. But he is sitting VERY well financially and family, loyalty/legacy, etc. may be driving him more than professional ambition at this point. Lots of tea leaves over the last year aligning to the possibility of his return which I wouldn’t have expected. We’ll know soon enough.

Family stayed in GFK all this time. Years of the reality of NHL HC gigs - living by himself, working his ass off with no investment from the franchise, then being unceremoniously fired only to have predecessors underperform you… No idea his thought process, but he’s already more than funded his retirement and making $4-500k annually for a school he bleeds Kelly green for, moving back home, and likely has been concerned about the direction... Could have its appeal? He’s certainly been taking advantage of his paid year off and staying close to the team. I’d gladly see him back, personally.

Schloss is paid for coverage, and has a professional responsibility regardless of his feelings. He doesn’t get paid to publicly process and sort through feelings, pitch tantrums, etc.. it’s becoming a pattern for him to provide biased coverage and refuse to cover anything in this admin that could be construed as criticism. THAT’S why some are taking exception to his making excuses on behalf of Berry.

Does ANYBODY understand what this poster is saying? Sir, do you need a welfare check??

Unfortunately true. But what he’s doing with his tantrum is calling out the University/AD for making a change, instead of ANY mention of the post-season (besides oh no, poor guy have bad luck!) or team management issues. Accountability still lacking in UND sports. Too bad. I used to respect and appreciate Schloss for his coverage, but you have to be a professional to be respected in media and that includes not reporting based on your biases or who you like (or are intimidated by). He obviously had all of his POV for that article already teed up and knew it was a likelihood to end the season, just like we all did.

In real time, with OMac flying, it definitely wouldn’t have surprised me if he was off (image above was the first I’ve seen that he clearly wasn’t). Add in things generally not going UNDs way this year, improbability of a two game sweep on the road, and UND finding more ways to lose close games vs win this season…just had a general sense of “I’ll believe it when I see it”. No matter how this season ends, at least we’re seeing some passion and grit out of this team that felt like it was lacking. Loved seeing them fired up. Side rant, I really dislike the modern replay era of not being able to get excited until well after the play is over. If it’s too close for the linesman to tell, just let it go. This game’s being decided over an inch or two on the blue line stuff gets old. At least it’s not football though - enter flag after every big play.

Agreed, was definitely expecting a challenge especially since he took his timeout anyway- so why not challenge instead? Maybe they were rattled and just missed it? And yes, new (2022?) ruling allows the skate to be lifted as long as it’s not over the plane. Offsides: A player shall be considered onside if the skate is over the blue line when the puck enters the attacking zone, which is the rule used in the National Hockey League. Previously, the skate was required to be in contact with the blue line.

Boisvert is elite for sure and a ton of fun to watch - but he’s also a turnover machine and doesn’t excel at a 200’ game (yet). I’m not here to defend Berry on roster management and certainly won’t complain about seeing plenty of Sacha in scoring opportunities…but he’s a minus on the season for a reason and his unforced turnovers yesterday alone created several chances late that almost got Omaha the tie — and could’ve been the difference between post season vs not. Not an easy choice for a HC with his season on the line. I know we all want our scorers out there all the time (or at least at key times) while players like Schmaltz don’t get a lot of love…but he continues to be steady/solid, had a great PPG setup for the first goal, and more goals are scored for us than against while he’s out there. May not be sexy, but outscoring your opponent in any way you can is still how games are won. I’d love to build all season to trusting your young goal scorers to show up at big moments (maybe someday), but Berry isn’t likely to change to a high risk/reward style any time soon.

For those worried about a big drop off if there’s a coaching change, it’s a reasonable concern - but some optimism to be gained by Mankato being in 15th (3 spots ahead of UND) after being absolutely decimated from the inside by Hastings departure. They managed to bounce back, beat UND, and be a bubble team with significantly limited resources, weak conference, and without any of the brand/legacy UND has to work with. The situation a new coaching staff would be walking into if handled correctly wouldn’t be dire. We’ve got bigger problems if elite coaches aren’t interested in UND and/or we settle for whatever alum has good connections and right timing.

Totally aligned in principle, but I wonder since style of play like the Beavers has been UNDs kryptonite late in the season for so long that it seems almost necessary to get some reps in against a team like that. Then again, we don’t seem to find an answer against that style so maybe it’s just unnecessary eye torture.

Setting aside the generally dissatisfied nature of fans on here…it’s a fascinating debate, if you can appreciate it as such. We could all argue both sides with a winning argument - how Berry has struggled and a change is needed (postseason, eye test, trending wrong direction) vs. how Berry has been highly successful (wins, regular season championships, full seats, and a natty). I, for one, value all the differing perspectives. Especially when I’m frustrated and need to be checked on my overreaction (thanks to those trying to temper the more extreme reactions). Whether good or bad, I’ve just lost my passion for this argument and shifted into wait-and-see mode. Of course, that may be partly because I’m heading to Cabo next week. Berry’s performance or this lost season just isn’t needling me the same. Hope everyone else finds their zen and perspective while we see what the future holds.

All anecdotal, but I hear a lot less from commentators and scouts about the UND development pathway than I used to. Berry’s done a good job of finding some talent who was a bit overlooked early on but had high upside (Blake, Sanderson)..but certainly not winning many/any of the truly elite prospects that some other top programs are bringing in every year. I’d be surprised if UND was in the top 20 destinations for most advisors (CHL, NCAA, etc teams). After being probably top 5-10 under Hak. Not proof, but the days of GMs LOVING sending their guys to GFK as mentioned? I just don’t see it right now.

What a bummer, but I’m in the same boat - can count on my fingers the total number of games I’d missed in the last 15 years, before last year. Since then, I don’t even think twice about making any other plans on a Friday or Saturday night. ANY other plans. I’ve started to approach games with pure pessimism, hoping to be surprised if the team looks like they actually care and are willing to put in some effort. If Berry is still here, I won’t be renewing my NCHC next year. Will be interesting to see what season ticket renewals look like, as that’s probably going to be the deciding factor for Berry over “passion” or team performance. As long as folks around GFK keep filling the REA, there will be no interest in making a difficult decision about one of their own. I’m afraid they’ll wait until it’s beyond obvious they need to make a change though; and by then it’s going to require a full rebuild. We shall see.

Exactly. Every fan base thinks their teams got the bad call, bad draw, injury bug, etc. Turns out the same thing goes for UND’s opponents. We just don’t give them credit/grace when it happens to them. Add to it that UND is “lucky” to play at a home regional every other year. They’re lucky that even their away games have a healthy UND crowd. They’re lucky to have destination games, HoF games, charters, and every possible resource for recruiting top talent. What earns them this “luck”, despite operating in a small market? A loyal and rabid fan base, most of whom are committing capital. Sure those fans are demanding (and sometimes negative and whiney), but you can’t expect to be given everything as a program and then complain that expectations are too high. Berry knew what he was signing up for. Here’s hoping he can change the narrative to restore some harmony around here. Winning has a way of doing that.

Agree, and it would be great if any of us had that level of visibility (or expertise) to have that discussion. But it would also be pretty quiet and boring around here if expertise was a prerequisite to post. It’s an interesting argument that we should temper our criticism (or calls to change) the coach if we can’t articulate what he’s doing wrong. Although I really appreciate those defending him against the generalized frustration where the actual arguments don’t hold up… My unsolicited take? If Berry isn’t ACCOUNTABLE to the end-result (regardless of whether I can tell you precisely where he’s failing), who is? Every player, staff member, fan, etc contributes in their own way, but they merely play a role. The HC is the only position that is ultimately responsible for everything and shouldn’t be making excuses. They own the team’s result one way or another. He’s paid for this, and no doubt feels the weight of that responsibility every day. He has the resources to win in the post-season. It’s up to him to use every possible tool at his disposal to do it. The hard part is deciding the line between regular season success and post season disappointment to make a change. My line was a couple years ago when I realized I was confident they were going to lose in the post-season each year, and I no longer looked forward to filling out my bracket, taking regional days off to scout the “competition”, etc. I also stopped spending thousands of dollars on destination games that they consistently underperformed at. Maybe that makes me a bad fan and I hope to be proven wrong, but would ANYONE honestly put money on a Berry post-season game, regardless of the year/situation/“bad bounces”, etc.? I was (and am) ready for a change. But I won’t try to tell anyone else where their line is, there’s no “right” answer and likely only history will tell.

This. Every team in similar coaching situations needing to decide if occasional flashes or selective success are good enough, ultimately comes out stronger when they finally cut the anchor/HC. You can wait forever hoping for a different outcome, or just do the hard part of the business and make the call before it’s too late. Lucia, Berenson, York, etc. All major teams with HCs who had historical success that kept them around past their time to move on (more success than Berry). And that’s not counting teams like DU who lose a top tier coach like Monty and still uplevel after. UND athletics continues to have no urgency and cater to local politics, and it shows across the board with every sport having year after year of disappointment. Hockey lasted longer than most and deflected attention away from the even bigger issues in every other sport, but is sliding into mediocrity. Seriously, 1 win in the playoffs after his rookie season and now being outclassed by RMU and BSU with what should be a stacked team (minus injury issues). ?!?! It’s embarrassing to say the least. And for anyone who needs to hear it, this isn’t a recent overreaction. I didn’t like the hire, hoped I was wrong after his first year, and have been underwhelmed every year since. But he seems to have completely lost control at this point.

And you can blindly defend him all you want, but fans still have the right to criticize poor performance on a fan forum.

This part’s always stood out to me - Goehring has consistently maintained an NHL style bumper position on the PP, but they never score. Most of the time they don’t even get the shot off which is a recipe for an easy clearance the other way. They had one Grade-A shot from there last night which stood out because it’s so rare, but if they can make that position a true threat, it would be a game changer (paging Oshie) on an already reasonably effective PP. Until then, at least the bumper draws lots of defensive attention and opens up space up top, even if it amounts to a decoy position with our current system.

Maybe some (like customers, fans are supremely discontent), but things aren’t nearly as black and white as everyone on the boards seems to recall or overly-generalize. I never wanted to fire Hak, even if it was head scratching how things always fell apart at the F4. But I’d definitely trade a Berry for a Hak today, even if it meant maybe they don’t win the NC in 16’. Very hard to imagine the program wouldn’t have had greater year-to-year success, and be in a better position today. BUT it ain’t happening, so…we get to watch the team struggle to get back to where they were until some day when Berry hopefully figures it out. OR (and this is me, and many others), gradually lose interest, invest less time and financial support, and relegate ourselves to hoping to be surprised with some success instead of expecting it. A big bummer when the scales tip toward disappointment instead of joy, but thankfully there are tons of other sources of entertainment, especially for those of us outside of GFK. It wouldn’t hurt for us all to keep in mind though that everyone here cares (or they wouldn’t be on a fan forum), supports UND in their own way, and wants the team to succeed even if we have different opinions about what that entails.