UMD Nice?

[FAQ22]

What's with the Bulldogs? I find it hard to believe that coach Sandelin continues to put out that group of chuggers, losing to the likes of past interstate D2 Schools in Mankato, Bemidji St. and St Cloud, and you haven't heard a thing about it. I can see the Duluth fan as being loyal, but for how long? They continue to under achieve, produce little in recruiting and have now become the 5th College team in the State of Hockey! The Sertich bashers of years past,,might want to look at the product Sandelin is producing, and begin to wonder why UMD continues to slide down the WCHA standings. Pretty obvious, Dean Blais helped Sandelin get this job, but maybe it's time, Blais comes in and cleans up the mess....jokes over!!!

[Zamboni Guy]

What's with the Bulldogs? I find it hard to believe that coach Sandelin continues to put out that group of chuggers, losing to the likes of past interstate D2 Schools in Mankato, Bemidji St. and St Cloud, and you haven't heard a thing about it.

There have been plenty of rumblings from the Duluth area about the direction of the UMD Hockey program and specifically about Coach Sandelin. In fact, at The UMD Penalty Box Message Board there was a thread about possible replacements for Coach Sandelin started on December 10th. Take a look at that site and you will see many harsh feelings about the current leadership and recruiting that is taking place. To say that you haven't heard a thing about is to say that you haven't been looking very hard.

[FAQ22]

Thanks Zamboni guy,,was assuming that if there were any rumblings, the Local News Tribune would be writing some articles. Imagine if Sandelin was coaching at Minnesota?...Monson, Mason.......and ....I will check out the site.

[east hockey]

Blais to UMD? Interesting idea and a total dream.

I'm on the fence with this but falling off on the side which says it's time for Scott to go. Let's see how this year plays out (I'm not holding out any hope here) and the next season. If no drastic improvement, buy out his contract (was that a three or four year extension? I'll have to check).

Yet another development is that Mitch Ryan has left the team. Too bad; I thought he was a great player with good potential.

Where does this crap end? I don't know but as a season-ticket holder, it clenches a certain part of my anatomy every time I have to sit through another sub-par result. The blown lead to BSU last month almost had me selling off our remaining tickets. At a huge discount, of course.

Lee

[east hockey]

Thanks Zamboni guy,,was assuming that if there were any rumblings, the Local News Tribune would be writing some articles. Imagine if Sandelin was coaching at Minnesota?...Monson, Mason.......and ....I will check out the site.

Printing something in the DNT about rumblings concerning Sandelin would require Kevin Pates to "take a risk". Translate that how you wish.

Lee

[Zamboni Guy]

was that a three or four year extension? I'll have to check

Lee,
It was a three year extension that Sandelin signed before this season. It is scheduled to expire following the 2009-2010 season. That means it would probably be a pretty hefty buy-out if UMD were to show him the door this season. I can't see the school being able to afford to make such a move. Here's the blurb on the extension from Inside College Hockey.

July 10, 2006
Sandelin Signs Contract Extension

Minnesota Duluth head coach Scott Sandelin has signed a three-year contract extension that will keep him behind the Bulldog bench through the 2009-10 season, it was announced today by athletic director Bob Nielson.

The agreement calls for Sandelin to receive an annual base salary of $130,000.

“We very pleased with the leadership Scott has provided to our men’s hockey program and are encouraged about what lies ahead for the Bulldogs, ” said Nielson. “He’s continually demonstrated the ability to bring in top quality student-athletes -- young men who excel both on the ice and in the classroom.”

In his six seasons with the Bulldogs, Sandelin, the 2003-04 Spencer Penrose Award recipient (American Hockey Coaches Association NCAA I Coach of the Year), has helped thrust the UMD program back firmly into the national forefront. In addition to compiling an overall record of 96-122-26, including a 76-70-19 mark since the start of the 2002-03 season, he has taken UMD to three of the past four WCHA Final Five Tournaments.