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Date: | Fri, 15 Jul 1994 13:06:47 EST |
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Having been out of town (and off-line) for the last week or so I
missed the torrent of messages real-time.....but killed the better
part of an hour catching up.
Please accept the following late night ramblings for what they are:
* I'm sorry to see Buddy go because he's done a very good
job......but it is best that he is going. Unlike his withdrawal from
previous searches at NU and UMass-Amherst, he was obviously in until
the bitter end pursuing BC and BG. Once that happens with a head
coach (as opposed to an assistant looking to move up), it is very
difficult to recruit and maintain players.....why should they believe
the coach will stay?
* Before we cry in our beer, soft drinks, etc. too much, let us not
forget that the Engineers under Buddy never won a regular season or
playoff ECAC title.
* I don't believe the decision on ECAC vs. HE was tied to Buddy
staying. I spoke with someone very close to the situation not long
ago who never mentioned this as a factor and, in fact, said some
things implying even Buddy might not be certain of the best course of
action. I think it is a matter of deciding which move is in the
long-term best interests of the school. Will rivalries be better or
worse? Which league offers RPI the best chance of on-ice success (note:
it doesn't matter how good or bad your league is.....a winning team
leads to better atmosphere, PR, alumni support, etc.)? How much is
the tie-in with academically high-profile schools such as the Ivies
really worth? Not an easy decision so why rush it?
* I've never even met Dan Fridgen but I'll be disappointed if he
doesn't get serious consideration. Rather than punish him as a "left
over" I'd be inclined to reward six years of service.....he pre-dates
Buddy by a year. Granted, long time service as an assistant in a
successful program doesn't guarantee success as a head coach (see
Cedorchuck, Steve in your hockey almanac for an example).....it is one
indicator. Other than one year as a head coach at the Div. II level,
Buddy Powers' experience level prior to RPI was similar to Fridgen's.
* Good luck to Buddy and BG (but the latter better hope Jack Parker
doesn't step aside any time soon).
Jon
P.S. Not to tease, but I know some other things about the ECAC/HE
decision which I can't share. Suffice it to say there are more issues
than have been discussed on H-L.
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Jon Greene
Cheyenne Software
Roslyn Heights, NY
516-629-4484
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