Freshman leaves Benilde mid-season for the WHL

[InYourFace09]

Pauly would not let anyone visit NCAA, CHL, or USHL 2 weeks before playoffs. It is the timing more than anything that made this a easy decision to dismiss the kid from the team. If this was 2 weeks into the season there would be no issue what so ever. Use some common sense.

Minnscout, you really should be giving equal time to the Wahlin post. After all, it is very possible that the young Wahlin may have visited UMass recently, or at the very least was in very deep family/school discussions about this future opportunity, that is 3 years off. What's the rush? Have you asked them? And they made and announced his verbal committment just a few days ago, well within the "too late in the season" line you drew in the sand - at such a critical time before playoffs. Wasn't this selfish? What about his TEAM? Couldn't he have waited another month until the season was over to pursue this and make his decision?? You should be over there slinging mud at his family, and recommending he be removed from the team for their similarily selfish timing.

Of course that would be absurd. Congrats to the Wahlins, and to all of our MN kids as they gain exposure and opportunities outside our bubble. Boys like Wahlin, Gersich and Vannelli. As far as I know, none of them have been punished by their coaches for their in-season antics.

Or is the difference that these boys all made the "right" decision with their futures?

The Wahlin that you committed to UMASS is the older on Brandon, not the soph Jake.

[minnscout]

Stick Save-

I guarantee you Sager would not allow Wahlin to leave and miss a few practices to visit UMASS at this time of year. Like I said before, had this been early in the season things would have worked out differently. Wahlin also was'nt going to visit a team that he could jump to next year. I am happy for all the Minnesota guys that move on to post HS careers. I wish Baer was still on the team becasue he is a very gifted and fun player to watch and would only get better and better in the coming years.

All I can say is this should'nt have happened and he should have never been asked by Vancouver to come out right now. There is much more to this story including the management of the Giants roll in this. I am not going to give you any details but its too bad that Baer is not playing for Benilde now they could have really used him to sure up the 3rd and 4th lines. Benilde luckily has enough depth and will be more than fine as you can see with the wins over Shattuck and EP last week.

[MrBoDangles]

Pauly would not let anyone visit NCAA, CHL, or USHL 2 weeks before playoffs. It is the timing more than anything that made this a easy decision to dismiss the kid from the team. If this was 2 weeks into the season there would be no issue what so ever. Use some common sense.

Minnscout, you really should be giving equal time to the Wahlin post. After all, it is very possible that the young Wahlin may have visited UMass recently, or at the very least was in very deep family/school discussions about this future opportunity, that is 3 years off. What's the rush? Have you asked them? And they made and announced his verbal committment just a few days ago, well within the "too late in the season" line you drew in the sand - at such a critical time before playoffs. Wasn't this selfish? What about his TEAM? Couldn't he have waited another month until the season was over to pursue this and make his decision?? You should be over there slinging mud at his family, and recommending he be removed from the team for their similarily selfish timing.

Of course that would be absurd. Congrats to the Wahlins, and to all of our MN kids as they gain exposure and opportunities outside our bubble. Boys like Wahlin, Gersich and Vannelli. As far as I know, none of them have been punished by their coaches for their in-season antics.

Or is the difference that these boys all made the "right" decision with their futures?

Well, the most obvious answer to your question is that none of these other players seem to be a threat to leave the team before they graduate. Not saying I agree with Pauly's decision at all, I'm just saying that he -- of all people -- probably has an excess of frustration about this particular issue as regards his D-core. And at this time of year.

All those other players are looking after their careers post-graduation. No coach would stand in the way of that (except maybe during the last two weeks of the regular season). One might easily assume that Baer is aiming for a little sooner than graduation, and Pauly probably figures why wait? Go, if that's what your loyalty to this team amounts to.

Also, just as an aside: it seems to me just WAAAAAY too much speculation by people who have no idea what the locker-room dynamic is at BSM. (I have no idea either, I'm just saying there's probably a lot more to this story than what this group can cobble together in the way of guesses.)

Should Ness or Bjugstad been kicked out of their High School programs their Jr year for thinking about leaving for the Gophers?

Maybe it's "just business" in a private school program.

BSM should have just been happy to have been part of a kid chasing his dream.

Can't wait to hear what BSM or the coach will have to say on this.

[Bluewhitefan]

Can't wait to hear what BSM or the coach will have to say on this.

Don't hold your breath. Pauly doesn't seem like the type that feels the need to explain himself.

[AMERICAN]

Mulefarm- looks like you and I agree- must have been on the same team at some point. That is exactly the fact I'm waiting to hear from someone- did or did the cooach not tell him? Can someone with knowledge confirm?

[mulefarm]

Minnscout, you really should be giving equal time to the Wahlin post. After all, it is very possible that the young Wahlin may have visited UMass recently, or at the very least was in very deep family/school discussions about this future opportunity, that is 3 years off. What's the rush? Have you asked them? And they made and announced his verbal committment just a few days ago, well within the "too late in the season" line you drew in the sand - at such a critical time before playoffs. Wasn't this selfish? What about his TEAM? Couldn't he have waited another month until the season was over to pursue this and make his decision?? You should be over there slinging mud at his family, and recommending he be removed from the team for their similarily selfish timing.

Of course that would be absurd. Congrats to the Wahlins, and to all of our MN kids as they gain exposure and opportunities outside our bubble. Boys like Wahlin, Gersich and Vannelli. As far as I know, none of them have been punished by their coaches for their in-season antics.

Or is the difference that these boys all made the "right" decision with their futures?

Well, the most obvious answer to your question is that none of these other players seem to be a threat to leave the team before they graduate. Not saying I agree with Pauly's decision at all, I'm just saying that he -- of all people -- probably has an excess of frustration about this particular issue as regards his D-core. And at this time of year.

All those other players are looking after their careers post-graduation. No coach would stand in the way of that (except maybe during the last two weeks of the regular season). One might easily assume that Baer is aiming for a little sooner than graduation, and Pauly probably figures why wait? Go, if that's what your loyalty to this team amounts to.

Also, just as an aside: it seems to me just WAAAAAY too much speculation by people who have no idea what the locker-room dynamic is at BSM. (I have no idea either, I'm just saying there's probably a lot more to this story than what this group can cobble together in the way of guesses.)

Should Ness or Bjugstad been kicked out of their High School programs their Jr year for thinking about leaving for the Gophers?

Maybe it's "just business" in a private school program.

BSM should have just been happy to have been part of a kid chasing his dream.

Can't wait to hear what BSM or the coach will have to say on this.

I think there is a big difference in thinking about playing for a team and then going against the coaches wishes in missing a team function and making a visit. I'm not even a Pauly fan and I'm supporting his decision.

[MrBoDangles]

Common sense would say he wouldn't have gone if he was told he would be KICKED OFF the team.

- other kids on the team were not kicked off the team for similar things.

- he's now left without a team at a very bad time.

- Pauley didn't want to communicate with family shows that he had a chip on his shoulder.

* It's actually very obvious

[Shinbone_News]

Should Ness or Bjugstad been kicked out of their High School programs their Jr year for thinking about leaving for the Gophers?.

Last time I checked, you needed a high school diploma to go to the U of M, even if you are a hockey player. You don't see a lot of ungraduated juniors leaving for college.

[AMERICAN]

Come on Mulefarm old teammate- I thought we were on the same page-don't you want to know what was said by coach to the kid before you render your final verdict?

[Hockey Fever]

MrBoDangles - Common sense would tell you to wait until you have all the facts to jump to conclusions. I don't believe anyone on here has all the facts, even the guy who claims to know all.

THIS is very obvious...

[mulefarm]

Come on Mulefarm old teammate- I thought we were on the same page-don't you want to know what was said by coach to the kid before you render your final verdict?

You are right, I would like to know what was said but I'm sure there are only a few that actually know. My point was thinking about a team and going on a visist are completely different.

[Stick Save]

Shinbone, "One might easily assume that Baer is aiming for a little sooner than graduation, and Pauly probably figures why wait?"



How does it happen that a HS teacher/hockey coach wakes up one morning thinking he's Scotty Bowman. Who now pretends he is inking deals with 15-year-olds to 4-year contracts. And if he snifs that a player might consider breaking his imaginary agreement at any time in those next few years, that folks like you feel it acceptable for him to cut him mid-season, figuring, "Why wait."

In fact why use such harsh language as being cut. In Coach's mind, on his march toward the Cup, he was merely placing #10 on waivers.

I think Coach Pauly needs to come up with his own, pretend, Standard Players Agreement on an etch-a-sketch that each player can sign their name on, using those two squiggly knobs.

Maybe Coach has finally rid his program once and for all of these types of players, who didn't see the fine print in their contract. He has definitely made a strong statement, and will ensure that many like #10, for years to come, will steer clear of the BSM program. For better or for worse.

[mulefarm]

What about the kid who wants to look at SSM,HM, Tonka, Coulee Region Aberdeen, BSU the Edina cheerleaders, should they be able to just tell the coach and go? Maybe he should have never cut the kid at put him on the JV until the end of the season. Is that reasonable?

[AMERICAN]

Mulefarm- that's what I was hoping for- that the few that KNOW would speak out and not let the rest of board just GUESS- seems to me once this fact is determined it makes it easy to assess culpability.

[MrBoDangles]

Should Ness or Bjugstad been kicked out of their High School programs their Jr year for thinking about leaving for the Gophers?.

Last time I checked, you needed a high school diploma to go to the U of M, even if you are a hockey player. You don't see a lot of ungraduated juniors leaving for college.

They left early. Their intent was to leave early.

Sounds like future intent got this kid kicked off the team.

No excuse for this.

[minnscout]

Some of you just dont get it. Make a commitment, see if thru and leave when its done if that is what you want. Its hard to believe there are people out there that think what Baer did is perfectly fine. I sure hope you're not the ones leading the next generation of kids. Hey there son/ daughter go ahead and miss practices while every other guy/girl is busting their tale. I am sure the players on the team feel the same way, if the kid does'nt want to be on board 100% around playoff time than he needs to be let go.

[mulefarm]

Should Ness or Bjugstad been kicked out of their High School programs their Jr year for thinking about leaving for the Gophers?.

Last time I checked, you needed a high school diploma to go to the U of M, even if you are a hockey player. You don't see a lot of ungraduated juniors leaving for college.

They left early. Their intent was to leave early.

Sounds like future intent got this kid kicked off the team.

No excuse for this.

The difference is Ness or Bjugstad didn't miss a team function for a visit, That would have been illegal since they were technically juniors their last season of play.

[MrBoDangles]

MrBoDangles - Common sense would tell you to wait until you have all the facts to jump to conclusions. I don't believe anyone on here has all the facts, even the guy who claims to know all.

THIS is very obvious...

It's very obvious that he wasn't told he would be kicked off the team.

He/They wouldn't leave him(self) in the position of being without a team.

Put the pieces together and it's very clear.

Clear cut case of a knee jerk decision.

[black sheep]

did i just read a BSM coach is going to put a STOP to the recruiting of players

and that a freshman BSM players is leaving after all he has been through with BSM

and that all the other kids on his team that came from other teams are upset

uggghhh

[MNHockeyFan]

Some of you just dont get it. Make a commitment, see if thru and leave when its done if that is what you want. Its hard to believe there are people out there that think what Baer did is perfectly fine. I sure hope you're not the ones leading the next generation of kids. Hey there son/ daughter go ahead and miss practices while every other guy/girl is busting their tale. I am sure the players on the team feel the same way, if the kid does'nt want to be on board 100% around playoff time than he needs to be let go.

100% on board with your sentiments, minnscout. You make perfect sense and it's hard to believe that some think what Baer did is perfectly excusable.

It's the coach's decision to do what's best for his team because in the end he'll be judged by his team's performance. Another coach might have handled it differently, but he also would have to live with the consequences. I really don't need to know all of the
nitty-gritty details to make a judgement on the matter.

[Hockey Fever]

MrBoJangles, God help us if you are ever selected to jury duty. You've put the pieces together after hearing the "procsecutions" case and have reached a verdict without hearing the "defense" side of the story. That's what I'd call a "clear cut case of knee jerk decision". We've heard one posters (mr.Baer?) version of what happened. They may or may not have presented the actual facts or possibly left something out. I would assume that we're not hearing from Pauly/BSM because of privacy laws.

[BodyShots]

Some of you just dont get it. Make a commitment, see if thru and leave when its done if that is what you want. Its hard to believe there are people out there that think what Baer did is perfectly fine. I sure hope you're not the ones leading the next generation of kids. Hey there son/ daughter go ahead and miss practices while every other guy/girl is busting their tale. I am sure the players on the team feel the same way, if the kid does'nt want to be on board 100% around playoff time than he needs to be let go.

What he did was wrong. But should the consequences be expulsion from the team or something less? Compare the crime to what Maple Grove kids did and I think the consequences are messed up.

[mulefarm]

Some of you just dont get it. Make a commitment, see if thru and leave when its done if that is what you want. Its hard to believe there are people out there that think what Baer did is perfectly fine. I sure hope you're not the ones leading the next generation of kids. Hey there son/ daughter go ahead and miss practices while every other guy/girl is busting their tale. I am sure the players on the team feel the same way, if the kid does'nt want to be on board 100% around playoff time than he needs to be let go.

What he did was wrong. But should the consequences be expulsion from the team or something less? Compare the crime to what Maple Grove kids did and I think the consequences are messed up.

Do you have first hand knowledge of either the Maple Grove or the BSM situations or are you basing your statement on what you read on the hockey forums?

[AMERICAN]

MNHOCKEYFAN- How can you say that you don't need the details but then draw a conclusion based on some details and not other details. Detail #1- Kid goes on trip after coach says no. Bad decision kid and you should be punished. To what extent of punishment is the debate and depending on Detail #2- was kid warned of the punishment beforehand makes a difference at least to me. Is it unreasonable in AMERICA to know the penalty to the crime before the crime is committed or do you prefer the Justice elsewhere? Interestingly, there have been no posts suggesting that coach told kid of consequence before he left even though he knew the problem. Is it unreasonable for the coach to tell kid who is about to make a big mistake "hey kid, don't do it because if you do I will throw you off the team". My guess if that had been done there would not be much debate here.

[BodyShots]

Some of you just dont get it. Make a commitment, see if thru and leave when its done if that is what you want. Its hard to believe there are people out there that think what Baer did is perfectly fine. I sure hope you're not the ones leading the next generation of kids. Hey there son/ daughter go ahead and miss practices while every other guy/girl is busting their tale. I am sure the players on the team feel the same way, if the kid does'nt want to be on board 100% around playoff time than he needs to be let go.

What he did was wrong. But should the consequences be expulsion from the team or something less? Compare the crime to what Maple Grove kids did and I think the consequences are messed up.

Do you have first hand knowledge of either the Maple Grove or the BSM situations or are you basing your statement on what you read on the hockey forums?

Did I drive the kid to Vancouver? NO
Do I own the Private home? NO
Am I basing my statement on just what I read on this forum? NO