My take on the Star Tribune article wasn't that they were alleging any of
the members were the "centerpiece" of the Hall induction, simply that Woog
was the most notable to those likely reading that paper (hence the headline
"Minnesota Scene").  In the big picture, you don't really need to "rank"
Hall of Fame inductees.  All were/are something special or they wouldn't be
there.

That said, saying that Woog's accomplishments "pale in comparison" doesn't
work for me.  First, there was no Hobey Baker award when Woog played so its
hard to hold that against him.  Second, there are pretty valid arguments
that anyone could make if forced to decide which of the three living
inductees was the best.  Scott Fusco was the only 2 time ECAC player of the
year, a Hobey winner and played in two Olympics.  Mark Fusco won a Hobey,
played in one Olympics and was the only one of the three to make the NHL (15
pts in 80 NHL games).  Woog wasn't eligible for a Hobey, and played when
freshmen weren't eligible (so he only got 3 years of career stats).  He was
one of the top coaches in college hockey for a decade and a half, made
twelve consecutive NCAA tournaments, six Final Fours and sent a number of
Gopher players to the NHL.  He also coached Phil Housley in high school and
was the one who encouraged Phil to go Pro instead of taking a scholarship at
Minnesota.  Woog also coached a number of USA Hockey teams (including, I
believe, serving as an assistant Olympic coach).  His "certain level of
accomplishment as a coach" left a record not matched by many.

Even if one granted that Woog was the least of those three as a player, I
can't buy that his accomplishments "pale in comparison".  Considering that
his impact on American hockey took place over 30+ years, it seems very
legitimate for the Star Tribune, USCHO, ESPN and others to lead with Woog in
coverage of the induction.

Call it spin if you wish, but based on your logic, Brian Bonin would merit
more consideration for the U.S. Hall than Ron Mason...and even us arrogant
Minnesotans know that's not the case.

In any case, congrats to all 3 and the family of the late Joe Riley.

-----Original Message-----
From: Greg Ambrose [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, September 20, 2002 8:03 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: U.S. Hockey Hall of fame inductees are...


Carol:

That is certainly at Minnesota spin to the US Hockey Hall of Fame inductee
announcement.  No doubt the Woogster was a very good college hockey player,
and he certainly achieved a certain level of accomplishment as a coach.
However his accomplishments have to pale in comparison to the Fusco
brothers, both of whom not only were All-Americans but won the Hobeys as
well.

Greg Ambrose