How long does Lucia have left?

[Ilovethe212]

But it is not exeptable for the gophers to not make the tournament..

Why is it not "acceptable" for the Gophers to not make the tourney? There are a lot of hockey fans in this state who are celebrating the fact that the Gophers are OUT! Why should they get their pick of the recruits every year? May the best teams play on, and I think other smaller schools are figuring out what it takes to beat the Gophers - recruit guys who will stay 3-4 years (see MacGregor Sharp) and not the 1-2 year prima donnas.

Give Lucia another chance. It's better for us!

Go Dogs!

Your exactly right, recruit kids that want to stay a few years and then develop them, problem is that Lucia isnt developing to many players.. Look at RJ Anderson, he was one of the best players i have ever seen in highschool and now hes awful for the gophers after 4 years there. Lucia is doing many things that arent up to snuf.

[BeerBibleBullets]

I think Lucia has earned the right to finish his contract at least. I think he needs to recruit a few kids that will be there for 3 years. Many schools have the 'one and dones' lately, but UND usually has a stockpile of former Jr A guys who are on their last stop. Gives them size and experience...been that way for 30 years.

As for former players trashing the guy, I think the last few years too many 'program' kids have been getting a ride with hopes of doing a year or two before going pro. Lots of these guys were used to superstar treatment in highschool and below, not used to a guy getting in their face. Not many guys liked Herb when he was their coach. Most love was after the fact.

With that said, we need some size and toughness on the blue line, and a couple wings who can thump in the corner. This year its been embarrassing to watch the D stand around and wait to make plays while Kangas got peppered from inside the circles.

Finishing near .500 is unacceptable for the Gophers, but with more nearby schools going D1 (Bemidji in a few years) UM will not have quite so much 'pick of the litter'. We need to be more aggressive in recruiting.

Bemidji St. is already D1.

Makes me really interested in the rest of the post.

My point was why would a kid currently play for BSU or their secondary conference if he was offered a ride at UMD, UND, or any other WCHA or major program...unless there was some hometown discount involved. When BSU joins the WCHA that will take another 20+ top players from the 'local' pool. I dont the UM will continue to be able to 'pick' as many players from that area, if they have a full ride an hour or two from home. Lucia has ties there, but he must continue to work them. I dont think getting all program kids from the cities is the answer.

[BeerBibleBullets]

I think Lucia has earned the right to finish his contract at least. I think he needs to recruit a few kids that will be there for 3 years. Many schools have the 'one and dones' lately, but UND usually has a stockpile of former Jr A guys who are on their last stop. Gives them size and experience...been that way for 30 years.

As for former players trashing the guy, I think the last few years too many 'program' kids have been getting a ride with hopes of doing a year or two before going pro. Lots of these guys were used to superstar treatment in highschool and below, not used to a guy getting in their face. Not many guys liked Herb when he was their coach. Most love was after the fact.

With that said, we need some size and toughness on the blue line, and a couple wings who can thump in the corner. This year its been embarrassing to watch the D stand around and wait to make plays while Kangas got peppered from inside the circles.

Finishing near .500 is unacceptable for the Gophers, but with more nearby schools going D1 (Bemidji in a few years) UM will not have quite so much 'pick of the litter'. We need to be more aggressive in recruiting.

Bemidji St. is already D1.

Makes me really interested in the rest of the post.

My point was why would a kid currently play for BSU or their secondary conference if he was offered a ride at UMD, UND, or any other WCHA or major program...unless there was some hometown discount involved. When BSU joins the WCHA that will take another 20+ top players from the 'local' pool. I dont the UM will continue to be able to 'pick' as many players from that area, if they have a full ride an hour or two from home. Lucia has ties there, but he must continue to work them. I dont think getting all program kids from the cities is the answer.

[BeerBibleBullets]

I think Lucia has earned the right to finish his contract at least. I think he needs to recruit a few kids that will be there for 3 years. Many schools have the 'one and dones' lately, but UND usually has a stockpile of former Jr A guys who are on their last stop. Gives them size and experience...been that way for 30 years.

As for former players trashing the guy, I think the last few years too many 'program' kids have been getting a ride with hopes of doing a year or two before going pro. Lots of these guys were used to superstar treatment in highschool and below, not used to a guy getting in their face. Not many guys liked Herb when he was their coach. Most love was after the fact.

With that said, we need some size and toughness on the blue line, and a couple wings who can thump in the corner. This year its been embarrassing to watch the D stand around and wait to make plays while Kangas got peppered from inside the circles.

Finishing near .500 is unacceptable for the Gophers, but with more nearby schools going D1 (Bemidji in a few years) UM will not have quite so much 'pick of the litter'. We need to be more aggressive in recruiting.

Bemidji St. is already D1.

Makes me really interested in the rest of the post.

My point was why would a kid currently play for BSU or their secondary conference if he was offered a ride at UMD, UND, or any other WCHA or major program...unless there was some hometown discount involved. When BSU joins the WCHA that will take another 20+ top players from the 'local' pool. I dont the UM will continue to be able to 'pick' as many players from that area, if they have a full ride an hour or two from home. Lucia has ties there, but he must continue to work them. I dont think getting all program kids from the cities is the answer.

[gorilla1]

One only has to look back at Johnson and Okposo for examples--if you look at the ESPN interview (Johnson) and the articles in the paper, it sure appears that they left because of Lucia. Wheeler leaves, and goes from a third team WCHA player to a standout rookie in the NHL--what was wrong with him last year??? What about Frazee--nice to see he at least is doing well with another team. Losing players is part of the problem, but it isn't any bigger a problem then UND and Wisconsin regularly have. Coaching is the thing that is missing at the U.

[CasseauCougar]

When BSU joins the WCHA that will take another 20+ top players from the 'local' pool.

It won't be another 20 from the 'local' pool. Look at their roster today (and they're already D1, just not WCHA). Only 9 of the 26 are from Minnesota and who knows how many of those actually get to play. I don't know how heavily inside of MN will be recruited vs outside.

[MNHockey75]

When BSU joins the WCHA that will take another 20+ top players from the 'local' pool.

It won't be another 20 from the 'local' pool. Look at their roster today (and they're already D1, just not WCHA). Only 9 of the 26 are from Minnesota and who knows how many of those actually get to play. I don't know how heavily inside of MN will be recruited vs outside.

There isn't a single Minnesota kid on BSU that could've gotten a scholarship offer at the U. Not to say they're bad players, but just under the radar. Names like Walters, Kinne, Winter, Lehrke, Hardwick, Peluso, etc. There is no doubt a few of them could've walked on and got some playing time during their career. Especially considering Shack, Fisher, and Miller get shifts.
I don't think BSU would steal anyone from the U, but if they do join the WCHA, they will get better recruits and get better.

[DmanDad1980]

When BSU joins the WCHA that will take another 20+ top players from the 'local' pool.

It won't be another 20 from the 'local' pool. Look at their roster today (and they're already D1, just not WCHA). Only 9 of the 26 are from Minnesota and who knows how many of those actually get to play. I don't know how heavily inside of MN will be recruited vs outside.

There isn't a single Minnesota kid on BSU that could've gotten a scholarship offer at the U. Not to say they're bad players, but just under the radar. Names like Walters, Kinne, Winter, Lehrke, Hardwick, Peluso, etc. There is no doubt a few of them could've walked on and got some playing time during their career. Especially considering Shack, Fisher, and Miller get shifts.
I don't think BSU would steal anyone from the U, but if they do join the WCHA, they will get better recruits and get better.

They are doing something right, Mn kids, Canadians, whatever...
Beat a #1 seed last night handily, 5-1...

Go Beavers

Lucia must rethink on how to develop the blueprint, he gets looks at the best of the best in recruiting, wins some, loses some, but when assembled as a team, he has faltered...
Spot players Fisher & Miller are not good enough to help the Gophers, but are players that schools like Bemidji State lands, develops and win with...

[wbmd]

From the Pioneer Press

http://www.twincities.com/ci_11987442?I ... cities.com

[TheSiouxSuck]

The Gophers problems stem from the pressure of tradition. Its Gopher tradition to recruit almost exclusively from instate, this leads to recruiting the top MN HS kids. (Which the gophers do basically get their pick) Think about the number of true freshman the gophers have been playing in recent years. The physical maturity of an 18 year old true freshman vs a 20 year old freshman is pretty significant.

The gophers have a pretty high turnover on their roster every year due to early departures. Yes, they recruit some of the most coveted played in the country, but they also have to fill those holes created by their departure every year. This year the Gophers could have had a top line of Wheeler-Kessel-Okposo. Thats astounding. Also consider they'd have kept Erik Johnson and Jimmy O'Brien or if Peter Mueller hadnt backed out of his verbal committment and gone to the WHL instead (This would have been his Sr. year). Thats five first round picks that have left in the last 3 years, exluding Mueller. Take that kind of talent away from other teams and I would bet they'd struggle just as the gophers have.

When you are Lucia and you just recruited a highly touted Minnesota boy like Aaron Ness (just an example) the amount of pressure to play them immediately has to be enormous. The Bottom line is that despite Minnesota getting the "cream of the crop" for recruiting, they are only 18.

[gorilla1]

Wow Sioux man, you must write a great novel!! Can you tell me when your first book comes out?? What will the name of the book be titled: "The Delusional Minnesota fan and the things we will believe"

[ACTUALFORMERPLAYER]

The Gophers problems stem from the pressure of tradition. Its Gopher tradition to recruit almost exclusively from instate, this leads to recruiting the top MN HS kids. (Which the gophers do basically get their pick) Think about the number of true freshman the gophers have been playing in recent years. The physical maturity of an 18 year old true freshman vs a 20 year old freshman is pretty significant.

The gophers have a pretty high turnover on their roster every year due to early departures. Yes, they recruit some of the most coveted played in the country, but they also have to fill those holes created by their departure every year. This year the Gophers could have had a top line of Wheeler-Kessel-Okposo. Thats astounding. Also consider they'd have kept Erik Johnson and Jimmy O'Brien or if Peter Mueller hadnt backed out of his verbal committment and gone to the WHL instead (This would have been his Sr. year). Thats five first round picks that have left in the last 3 years, exluding Mueller. Take that kind of talent away from other teams and I would bet they'd struggle just as the gophers have.

When you are Lucia and you just recruited a highly touted Minnesota boy like Aaron Ness (just an example) the amount of pressure to play them immediately has to be enormous. The Bottom line is that despite Minnesota getting the "cream of the crop" for recruiting, they are only 18.

Clearly a fan and not an Alumni. Being this stupid and getting a college eduactation could not happen.

[ozzie679]

The Gophers problems stem from the pressure of tradition. Its Gopher tradition to recruit almost exclusively from instate, this leads to recruiting the top MN HS kids. (Which the gophers do basically get their pick) Think about the number of true freshman the gophers have been playing in recent years. The physical maturity of an 18 year old true freshman vs a 20 year old freshman is pretty significant.

The gophers have a pretty high turnover on their roster every year due to early departures. Yes, they recruit some of the most coveted played in the country, but they also have to fill those holes created by their departure every year. This year the Gophers could have had a top line of Wheeler-Kessel-Okposo. Thats astounding. Also consider they'd have kept Erik Johnson and Jimmy O'Brien or if Peter Mueller hadnt backed out of his verbal committment and gone to the WHL instead (This would have been his Sr. year). Thats five first round picks that have left in the last 3 years, exluding Mueller. Take that kind of talent away from other teams and I would bet they'd struggle just as the gophers have.

When you are Lucia and you just recruited a highly touted Minnesota boy like Aaron Ness (just an example) the amount of pressure to play them immediately has to be enormous. The Bottom line is that despite Minnesota getting the "cream of the crop" for recruiting, they are only 18.

Who cares about the pressure. Frankly, I don't thing there is any extra pressure on a UM kid. No more than any other WCHA program. That's just an excuse...

[defense]

I've been saying that for the past two years. Lucia gets a "FREE" pass next year. If his team struggles again next year NO MORE EXCUSES!

He has a contract through 2010-11 I believe. I'm sure they will take a good look at the coaching situation then.

It will be interesting how the university handles the situation. Everyone expects the mens basketball and football team to struggle each year but the mens hockey team has higher expectations. No one's been calling out Lucia for the past three or four seasons.
If you take a look at some of the talented players he's had over the past four years how does he not get to the frozen four? Keep in mind he won two national championships with Woog kids. No one had any expectations those two years of winning a national championship.
The past three years we've had great players leave not saying good things about Lucia. I think it's time the University tells Lucia to clean up the mess and quit covering up for him.
I say give Lucia next year to turn things around. If not show him the door.

Did he only win championships with Woog recruits????? how about the second one???? don't really think that old Woog would've recruited Thomas Vanek.......how many seniors or juniors were playing on the second championship team?????

The guy has a few years left... the heat is coming though and I imagine next year he will feel it big time. Maybe its just a run of big headed players.....

[blueblood]

The natives are getting restless and the pressure is on Lucia next season

No Frozen Four appearance since 2005
Missed the NCAA's this season
A 7th place and 5th place regular season finish the last 2 seasons in WCHA

Not acceptable for one of the premier programs in college hockey

Budish will need to carry a big load next season and I think that may be a bit to much to ask

The defense needs total revamping.

- Ness needs to change his game and look to score instead of dishing off the puck on the PP.

- Weirs needs to go play D3. He is not D1 material.

- Let's hope Leddy can have a better freshman year than Ness

- When will Lucia learn we need some 6'2" and 200 lbs defenseman to help out the 160lb players like Ness and Barribal.

I predict a middle of the road finish and a rope for Lucia next season.

Maybe Garth Snow was right.....

[BeerBibleBullets]

The natives are getting restless and the pressure is on Lucia next season

No Frozen Four appearance since 2005
Missed the NCAA's this season
A 7th place and 5th place regular season finish the last 2 seasons in WCHA

Not acceptable for one of the premier programs in college hockey

Budish will need to carry a big load next season and I think that may be a bit to much to ask

The defense needs total revamping.

- Ness needs to change his game and look to score instead of dishing off the puck on the PP.

- Weirs needs to go play D3. He is not D1 material.

- Let's hope Leddy can have a better freshman year than Ness

- When will Lucia learn we need some 6'2" and 200 lbs defenseman to help out the 160lb players like Ness and Barribal.

I predict a middle of the road finish and a rope for Lucia next season.

Maybe Garth Snow was right.....

Agree...a similar finish as this season will put Lucia on thin ice. Hockey is not an inexpensive sport to fund. Missing the postseason costs the department $$$, and MN is one on the few programs that can make some $$$ with the hockey program.