Hi hockey folks- Isn't the "offseason" wonderful? We can now spend our time talking about "important" matters without cluttering the e-mail wires with news about game results and standings! Now that the dust is beginning to settle here, let me try to summarize what I think is the story at Dartmouth (as of 11:04 am, 5/24/91 - subject to changes any minute). * I don't think that Ben Smith's resignation had anything to do with disagreements with the administration over admissions or other policies (before Dick Jaeger's took over as AD 2 years ago, this was a significant problem). All indications are that Dick Jaeger and the admissions office have been in full support of Ben's recruiting efforts which, as I mentioned before, have been quite successful. According to the local paper, Ben approached Dick to ask if he could talk to NU. Ben was born and raised in Boston, has very close friends and family in the Boston area, and has always wanted to coach there. According to the paper, Ben went to Dick and stated that he came to Dartmouth in good conscience and was committed to the program, but this offer to coach in Boston was a career opportunity he could not pass up - it was something he has wanted for years. For his part, Dick was quoted as saying something like (sorry, I don't have the paper in front of me - I'm at "work") when a man opens up his heart, you have to let him purue his aspirations. Ben's meeting with the team seemed to confirm this. * The players are disappointed and at least some are "really pissed". They feel betrayed, although I think that most of them can understand the reasoning behind Ben's move. Many of the players feel that, no matter what the offer at NU is like, Ben should have honored his contract and commitment to Dartmouth and to the players who look up to him. They feel that he should have followed through on what he started. * In terms of a replacement for Ben, a number of names have already surfaced. Roger Demment was the first assistant under Ben. He was the first to apply for the job and I know that the players really like him. He would also provide some continuity and could take advantage of the remaining positive spirit generated by Ben last year. He was involved in the recruiting and could probably keep the new recruits happy. Roger has had experience as head coach in France. The other prominent name I have heard mentioned is Bob Gaudet, head coach at Brown. Bob is a Dartmouth alum and was the goalie on Dartmouth's final four teams in 1979 and 1980 (or was it 80, 81? - ahh, those were the good old days - our last winning season!). However, according to the local paper, when Bob was asked about the Dartmouth position (by the press), his initial response was that he has a fondness for Dartmouth and would enjoy coaching here, but he has a commitment to Brown and at this time is not considering leaving. This statement reflects his sentiment, although I do not have the paper here to provide a quote. Gaudet suggested his assistant coaches, both Dartmouth hockey alums, as possible candidates. Bob's (initial) response is what many folks here feel should have been Ben's response towards the NU job. Then again, Bob Gaudet did not rule out coming to Dartmouth as head coach, so who knows. * A search committee is being assembled and will try to appoint a new head coach as soon as possible. * It is also rumored that Elvis and Billy Martin have applied for the job. I will keep all you folks informed as the situation develops (or deteriorates). I think that no matter who steps in, they will have their hands full. If the new coach can maintain the positive attitude present at the end of last season, the team will show improvement (it can't get much worse than 1-23-3). At the end of the year Dartmouth was playing pretty decent hockey (just ask Clarkson) - much better than their actual record would indicate. - Bob Gross