I think one can continue to support the program and be a fan without
being naive to the fact that Grant Standbrook is probably the single
most significant figure to its success (and that includes Shawn Walsh,
whom you all know I held in high regard).  (Also the guy who probably
gets the least credit in print.)

That said, this day was inevitable.

The real challenge will be to find someone who has the ability to
evaluate talent and sell the University of Maine effectively. (Oh, and
be able to make an offer to them that is attractive enough for them to
come to UMaine).

The fear that I have is not the next few years.  Maine has continued to
have a strong years with NCAA Tournament appearances and Frozen Fours,
etc.  We will continue to be strong with the base of talent that has
been assembled.  It should be easy to sell that tradition.

However, should we miss the tournament for a couple years or otherwise
take a step back, taking the shine off of that tradition a little bit,
will the new recruiting coordinator be able to sell Maine?  This is
where Grant was awesome IMHO, because he could always sell Maine.  I
know that we are all aware of our limitations compared to other schools
(financially, facilities, etc.) and that is no small thing.

I hope that the University of Maine does not take an arrogant approach
as they consider Grant's replacement.  You can't just stick anyone in
that position and expect them to succeed.  Someone with a track record
of being able to evaluate talent, good contacts, etc. is needed here. 
If UMaine just decides to plug Dan Kerluke (sorry Dan) or some other
young kid in there, then I stick by my original "headline" that we will
witness the fall from grace for this program.

I hope I am wrong.  I want to be proven wrong.  I want to see the
program carry on its tradition.  I'm just not going to minimize the
impact of Grant Standbrook has had on our success.

-Deron



--- Bob Woodbury <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Why wouldn't the best headline read "Thank You," then we move on and 
> continue to support a world class program.
> 
> Deron Treadwell wrote:
> 
> >How about "UMaine poised to end run as hockey power" as a more
> >appropriate headline.
> >
> >I am thrilled that Grant can finally move on and have time for
> >himself!!  He has certainly earned it.
> >
> >The impact on Maine hockey will be tremendous over the years to
> come.
> >
> >-Deron
> >
> >
> >--- Dan Doucette <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> >
> >  
> >
> >> Headline said: "UMaine coaching staff will change"
> >>(the equivalent of "your  cat's on the roof and we can't get it
> >>down")
> >>
> >>Better  headline:
> >>
> >>"UMaine poised to re-organize men's hockey  program"
> >>
> >>Here's my vote asking the University to put something in  the
> Alfond
> >>rafters to honor Grant's contributions to Maine hockey.  
> >>
> >>I'd suggest at this point an appropriate home game where this could
> >>happen, but the schedule has not yet been released by the Athletic
> >>Department...perhaps they have been preoccupied by searching for
> >>necessary replacements in the men's ice hockey coaching staff ?
> >>
> >>Dan Doucette
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>Nonni Daly <[log in to unmask]> wrote:        This might answer
> >>some of the recent questions  ...
> >> http://www.bangornews.com/news/templates/?a=136926&z=225%20class=
> >>
> >> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> >>There's  something about the outside of a horse that's good for the
> >>inside of a person  ...
> >>Nonni Hilchey Daly, EdD
> >>Vice-Chair/Standardbred Industry Advisory  Council of Maine ~~
> >>Co-Advisor/All Maine Women Honor Society
> >>Member/Athletic  Advisory Board ~~ Past President/ M Club
> >>19 Annbar Drive  Old Town   ME  04468  207-827-8386   
> >>207-991-2611/cl
> >>
> >>
> >> 		
> >>---------------------------------
> >>Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and
> >>30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less.
> >>    
> >>
> >
> >
> >  
> >
> 
>