I’m curious, who does a Michigan fan cheer for in Minnesota vs WMU? I just have no idea about conference affiliation like/hate and in-state like/hate dynamics.
Don't have any hate or like necessarily. Of B1G programs I don't mind Minny, the try to play actual hockey instead of low event drudgery, have good players, a seemingly good man coaching. It's nice to see a local program have some success, but I don't think anyone cares way or another regarding Western.
Long before B1G hockey existed my favorite opponents to play were Michigan (college hockey showcase), North Dakota and CC (when they were good) because it was the most wide open I’ve been hoping for a Minnesota vs Michigan final for a while because of the talent and style. I took my son to the B1G championship because I doubted we would get to Boston (our family, not the teams).
Minnesota moves on which ensures a Minnesota team in the final (Minnesota/Mankato State). Michigan is up for a chance to eliminate the East and put 2 B1G programs in the Frozen 4.
This game is crazy as hell. Michigan has really been on its heels, and is playing with fire in its own end. But QU is going to pay if they keep trying to play at this pace.
I would have preferred Quinnipiac in their yellow they wore Friday. Wearing blue against Michigan messes with my head.
I was worried about us getting goalied this weekend, but apparently we will be the ones doing the goalieing.
Four best teams I’ve seen this season are going to end up in Boston. Can’t ask for anything more than that.
Didn't seem to be a problem in the conference tournament. Can't blame the kids for falling asleep during regular season games against the Jeff Jackson experience.
This sets up well for an exciting Frozen 4. 3 #1s and a #2 that was on the #1 line until the last day of the conference tournaments. 3 regular season conference champions 2 Conference Tournament Champions 2 B1G 1 NCHC 1 WCHA 2 from Minnesota which is a rematch of last year’s regional final
Michigan avoiding the faceplant last night saved this thread from the onslaught of TMB Sparties and Buckeyes.
I’m actually mostly indifferent to the other teams themselves. Their fans tend to either also be Gopher fans or hate Gopher fans so they aren’t easy to actually like. I just enjoy the power of the state as a whole.
You got my hopes up. Granato is going the same path as Eaves. Okay recruiting, once in every 4 years for a competitive team being fielded. Held onto Eaves for too long, likely doing the same here. The last team that had an NCAA tournament victory was April 8th 2010. 8-1 against RIT. We have since only played 4 NCAA games Lost to Bemidji Lost to North Dakota Lost to UMASS-Lowell Lost to Boston College In the past 10 years, American International has more NCAA victories. In the process we've pushed away even the most loyal fans. Once a hockey school, the decline has been breathtaking.
Have Michigan fans heard anything in regard to the investigation within the hockey program (COVID, etc)? Some Minnesota fans think there is a chance Mel is gone even if Michigan wins.
Haven’t heard a peep. Based on how it’s been handled thus far, I’m going to guess Mel survives. I have no doubts something is amiss, but it seems like they haven’t been able to find anything that would blow him out. Plus, letting him coach this far and then firing him seems like the worst possible outcome for everyone. My hunch is had they found something of substance, he would have already been placed on leave.
At least within the program, the thought is he will “retire” after the season regardless of the result in Boston.
Interesting. I guess that’s a way for all parties to save face. Does Muckalt get promoted or is he stained from the investigation as well?
I would think Naruto would survive but I guess he wouldn’t be the HC so he might not be safe if a new guy does come in here.
I would be disappointed if Michigan takes a step back. We finally have some momentum in the conference to get people excited and create more of a rivalry. Michigan State and Wisconsin have been very disappointing. PSU and OSU have impressed me but neither has proven to have a Championship type ceiling like the other 4. ND is boring but a tough out.
Michigan will spend to get a coach, it’s just a matter of actually hiring the right guy. Realistically they would have to call Quinn first. Maybe Montgomery next.
Definitely. The athletic budgets in the B1G far surpass any other league and revenue opportunities abound throughout the conference. Paying isn’t the challenge. It’s a matter of hiring the right person.
It’s weird seeing UMass and Lowell pass up BC and BU. The state of Eastern hockey is terrible. The tournament showed they definitely need to act.
Nothing is changing until we move on from Gadowsky. The program has gone as far as he’s going to take it.
1-1 entering the 3rd. UM flipped the ice in the 2nd and tied it up. Playoff hockey is the scariest sporting there is.