It was only very recently that BC's long standing policy of using only
American players came to an end; one of the last of Ceglarski's legacies to
go, really.
 
Last year, BC has their best season in something like 50 years, a hair away
from hoisting the national trophy in their back yard. Call it coincidence,
psychic phenomenon, or whatever, but they did it with a "foreign" player on
their roster.
 
Over the past few years I've heard quite a few Gopher fans, both on
Hockey-L and off talk about how silly it is for Minnesota to continue to
exclusively recruit home-state kids, especially when many of their best
players continue to play elsewhere.
 
So how long will this last? If this were to be Woog's final year at the
helm of the Gophers, would an incoming coach even try to change that
policy? Or will it take a few more years of losses (both games and coaches)
before a change happens? Might there ever be a change?
 
 
People have said it's not a money issue, especially as every game still
manages to be a sellout. However, them 3,000 empty seats don't look to good
on TV and given the extensiveness of the Gopher TV contract, advertising
revenue is really hurt when ratings plummet.
 
Perhaps a better way to look at it is from a different angle -- basketball.
With Gopher basketball as popular as it is, there's a point where it will
take both fans and attention away from the hockey program. Then (now?) it
becomes a money issue.
 
Not to mention, revenue generated by getting further in the playoffs, both
divisional and national; slowing merchandise sales; concession sales (the
biggest profit for any arena and team); and ultimately, the effect it has
on the school in the public eye.
 
It may sound stupid, but the effect of a succesful athletic program on
student applications is quite astounding. About two years ago ESPN reported
that every school that has won a national championship in basketball or
football has seen their highest number of applications the year following.
 
 
I guess the biggest question revolves around what Gopher fans want more
(sooner): continued tradition of Minnesota kids or a national championship.
 
 
 
greenie
 
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