Reply to question posed by Eric Carlson--
.....Anchorage was truly dreadful on the road last year, but has a new
coach this year.  Perhaps that is enough to change their fortunes or at
least the way they deal with the games.  Is Talafous' style of play what
has made the difference for them?  The other WCHA teams are having more
success in Sullivan Arena this year as well................
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Yes, I think so. Talafous' style is not to be concerned much about winning
or losing, but whether the team played well, did it improve from the last
game, and how to improve from this game. Also, it's defensively oriented,
and noted for 'no excuses'. This has lead to more consistent play, less
'highlight' (read individual) play, travel is neither a reason to win nor
lose, etc. and, yes, I would expect to do less well at home. In a
nutshell, it's no longer an emotional roller coaster. In the same sense, I
don't think that the team gets as 'up' for a home game as they use to. Nor
would I particularly favor one approach over another, but I do think that
the Talafous way will produce better results over the long haul (3 years)
with similar talent levels. For one thing, it takes a different kind of
player in each of these systems. Talent rich teams, I think, are much more
susceptible to the emotional roller coaster style, but also are much more
capable of 'rising to occasion'.
 
Lowell King, UAA fan
 
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