(09-25-2015 10:44 AM)rtletterman Wrote: Love the "aim low" mentality.
Why the constant need to distort what others are saying?
My aim for WMU hockey is to build and maintain a program which competes successfully at the highest level every year, even while accepting that from time to time there will be years where we don't make the NCAA Tourney, but always with the realistic expectation that we will be one of the top few schools challenging for a league title, and realistically optimistic at earning an NCAA bid. Schools like most currently in the NCHC, like Denver, North Dakota and others, but also including Michigan, Boston U, Boston College, and several others.
These types of programs don't necessarily win national championships because they are so phenomenal in any given year, but rather because they get into the tournament so frequently, and give themselves many opportunities based on the consistent excellence with the programs. Indeed, it seems that those schools win titles more often when they just squeak into the tournament and have low expectations, than when they are the big favorite.
Winning consistently is about the program. Recruiting is generally about the program, and good top shelf recruits keep a program going good. Attendance at home games, particularly in a town with other things to do, is about winning. Without consistent winning the rink wont stay full. Without winning, and without full rinks, its hard to get the top shelf recruits.
I know I wont convert anyone today, but I still disagree that fans will fill Lawson because we are in such a prestigious league, or because we are playing great programs like Duluth, North Dakota, or Denver. People come when we win lots of games; and most folks don't give two $hit$ who we are winning them against. True, people like to see some schools at Lawson, like Mich, Mich State, and Notre Dame, but those schools aren't in the NCHC.
The key is winning, and winning consistently. And its way easier winning consistently in the WCHA, against schools who we have similar or better budgets, arenas, and fan bases, than against so many of the top pure hockey programs in the country.
And before someone says something about getting better Pairwise points playing in the NCHC, you may have a point, but it is a small point. The reality is that there is a lot of parity in college hockey and the distinction in points is not nearly as significant than many here would like to think.
Schools in the WCHA are making the NCAA, and having real good seasons. Even beating NCHC schools from time to time. It is not a joke of a league, but WMU would certainly be able to maintain a constantly quality program in the WCHA.
I'm not sure what your "aim" is, but mine is far from low. ......But well within the realm of possible.