>
> I remember that while living in Albany in 1987, the
> fans and press were extremely demanding in their
> expectations.  The local (Gannett, I assume)
> rag, the Albany Times Union, treated any loss as an
> unforgiveable letdown and any win as a return to
> national championship form.  Everything was
> magnified to absurd proportions.
>
> Now, I don't think there's anything in the Troy water
> that makes RPI fans any different from the rest of
> us, so I assume the circumstance of their then recent
> national championship had a lot to do with this
> attitude.  This was probably exascerbated by two
> things: (1) the team declined to mediocrity almost
> immediately after winning their title, and (2) Troy is
> a one-team town, and they're it. (Aside: was Troy a
> big hockey town before the title?  I dunno.)
>
> I'd be interested in whether other teams which fit this
> profile have had a similar "post-title syndrome".  The
> recent national champions don't seem to fit the
> profile, except perhaps Bowling Green.  MSU
> seemed to go downhill soon after their title, but that
> is definitely not a one-team town.  Colgate and
> SLU had hard times on the heels of title game losses,
> but there is a big difference between runner-up and
> actually winning the title in the fans' psyche; just
> ask the Bills.
>
> Greg
> Malden, MA
> Let's Go Red!
>
In Madison, WI hockey isn't the only game in town but
until a couple of years ago it was the only successful game!
There are always high expectations, but these aren't usually
unwarranted.  After the last championship (1990) Sauer silenced
some of his critics  since his other championship team was in
his first year and was with Bob Johnson's palyers.
 
During the regular season people aren't generally to anxious
about the performance of the Badger's.  Over the years they
have been known for their increased play during the tourney!
 
In fact 1992's loss in the finals was Sauer's first loss
during the phinal phour since he came to WI.
 
Lately though, there is mounting pressure for Sauer to get
his team to the next level once again.  The teams form the
last couple of years had the talent to compete with anyone
(with the possible exception of Maine a couple of
years ago).  But they were short on discipline and team play.
 
People grumble about this because these were hallmarks of
Badger Bob teams.  I have the feeling that there is probably
no harder an act to follow than Badger Bob at WI.
 
To top this, now that the football and basketball teams are
beginning to make their mark in their sports, hockey is
finding itself having to compete harder for the folowing
of some of the more peripheral fans.  This isn't very hard
since WI is a school of about 45,000 and Madison a city
of around 200,000.
 
just my input (and I don't think I offended anyone).
 
later
 
jd
 
ON WISCONSIN!