Undoubtedly, the biggest topic of discussion in Boston this past week
was the success of Providence under first-year coach Paul Pooley.  But
rumors abound that Providence may face next season without Pooley,
since Ohio State is known to be looking for a new head coach.
 
On the face of it, such a move would seem to make sense, and I would
be shocked if OSU didn't give Pooley serious consideration and even
offer him the job.  He's an alumnus (OSU '84) and former All-American
and Hobey finalist (32-64--96 in 1983-84), a former OSU assistant
(1988-91), and an associate head coach for 1994 NC$$ Champion LSSU.
 
And perhaps most impressive on his resume is the job he did with PC
this year, taking a team many people felt was all but dead in late
January and getting them to peak at just the right time of the year -
oddly identical to typical LSSU teams of late.  I have also heard
nothing but good things about the positive attitude and fairness he
has brought to PC this season.  This is the kind of coach I would
think OSU would want to rebuild their program - if they are serious
about it, and it seems that they might be.
 
As a follower of the league, I certainly thought PC's late surge and
run through the playoffs was very exciting and seemed to signal much
better things to come for the Friars in coming years.  It would be
quite a disappointment to PC fans, I am sure, as well as other HE
followers like myself if Pooley were to return to his alma mater.
 
Any thoughts from OSU or PC followers?
 
The always superb PC media guide contains a section with quotes from
Pooley on various subjects, quotes that I think give an insight into
what type of coach and person he is.  Here are a few - remember that
they were put together prior to the season.
 
His coaching philosophy:
"I like to create offense from great defense.  That's the way I was as
a player and that's what the philosophy is at Lake Superior.  I know
that people think defense is boring, but the key is the transition,
you go on the counter attack, it makes things happen.  It's really an
exciting style of hockey."
 
On transferring his past success to Providence:
"I think there are three things you have to have to be successful.
They are work ethic, conditioning, and commitment.  Discipline comes
through practice....As we teach them, things will be a little tough at
first because it's different, but once you learn it, it becomes
simple.  One of the keys to being successful in hockey is to execute
what you want to do better than the other team executes what it wants
to do."
 
On academics (and hockey):
"The two can co-exist, there is no doubt about that.  I'm a coach
who's been a player who's been there.  You really have to look long
term.  I don't care how talented you are, hockey will end someday.
You have to be prepared for that day.  There is time to be successful
in the classroom and be successful as a player if the commitment is
there.  The Number One goal is to graduate!  You are a person first, a
student second and a player third.  It's more important that when you
finish college you are a good person who becomes the best that they
can be in whatever field they choose."
 
On team goals:
"Our goal is to get better every day...To get better every practice
and better in every game we play.  We never want to get outworked by
any opponent.  The team comes first - play the system.  Off the ice,
our goal is to improve in the classroom...have pride in your work and
be the best student you can be."
 
On recruiting:
"The attitude has to be that you want to get better as a player.  You
have to recruit skill and offense, but team chemistry is so important.
You don't necessarily have to be a superstar high school or junior
player to be a good college player.  I look for the player not for
what they are now, but what they can become.  You need skills to win,
but it's possible to win with kids that want it real bad.  It's hard
to measure commitment and dedication.  You have to develop players,
take what they have and get them to grow."
 
There is no doubt that Pooley did that this season.
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Mike Machnik                                            [log in to unmask]
Cabletron Systems, Inc.                                    *HMM* 11/13/93