I've been enjoying the thread on coaches, but find it interesting that
(aside from a backhand reference to Harvard) the coaches of the ECAC have
not appeared in the discussion.  Could this be due to the lack of a few
dominant programs as has been discussed in a separate thread?
 
In any case, I have to put in a vote (admittedly biased) for SLU's own
Joe Marsh - I wouldn't trade him even up for any other coach in college
hockey.  He may not always have the most talented players - certainly not
a roster full of NHL draft choices, but that's proabably more due to
finacial aid and academic constraints than recruiting talent.  He's got
a great ability to get the most out of hard-working grinder type players.
Plus his players appear to love playing for him.  One last point (again
biased from the viewpoint of a faculty member) which I'd consider as an
AD in picking a coach is his commitment to the academic side of his
players' "careers".  This is something that Marsh takes very seriously.
For example, a number of recent players (Lee Albert, Tom Perry, ...) have
stayed at SLU even after their eligibility was over to finish their degrees.
 
From other teams I have seen, I'd have to second votes for Walsh and Jackson
(I know - both non-ECAC (:>)) as producing teams which are traditionally very
disciplined and committed to a clear philosophy of team play - reflections
of the impact of superior coaching.  I haven't seen enough of many of the
other teams featured in this discussion to be able to judge the degree to
which their coaches have the same influence.
 
Robin Lock
St. Lawrence University
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