Herby
Now I can die in peace
I guess when you’ve been wandering in the woods for over a decade and finally find some success, you just want to unleash all that pent-up frustration. The “scUM” thing really adds that classic SpartanMag sprinkle to what was previously an intelligent conversation, but oh well.
There’s plenty of room for both programs to be successful. Just look at last year, when the teams met in the regional final in St. Louis after an epic Big Ten championship game at Munn.
Nightingale was a home run hire. He’s from the same place (Top of the Mitten) where I live for half the year. They’re a wonderful family, and he’s a great hockey mind. I’m not at all surprised he’s quickly turned MSU back into a solid program. He is somebody that any parent would feel comfortable sending their kid to play for, whether the goal was two-years and into pro, or four years as a depth piece, he will do a great job with your kid, on and off the ice.
That said, I wouldn’t throw dirt on Naurato. He’s had plenty of success himself, with a Big Ten tournament win and two Frozen Four trips in his first three seasons. It’s strange that’s somehow being framed as a failure.
The Michigan brand, the potential NIL money, and the extensive NHL alumni network definitely resonate with players and their agents. For a Division I athlete, especially one involved in NIL, there aren’t many places that combine compensation, campus culture, academics, and professional development like you get in Ann Arbor. You can call it arrogant, loudmouthed, or whatever, but it’s still going to be a big draw for a lot of people, and that is why UM is always brought up when it comes to potential CHL players coming in.
More game reps, and the CHL is a step up from the USHL, and makes the transition to the NCAA easier. I don't think the powers that be in the CHL will be angry with a situation like Valentini, who will presumably play a full season next year in addition to any games he plays in these playoffs, but I don't know if this Park situation is something that teams are going to want to see happen, high end college guys hitching a ride onto teams in the middle of the playoffs.
But yeah, this is going to take some getting used to, when I saw Park's name followed by "Calgary Hitmen" I had two decades of PTSD about losing players like John Gibson to the CHL, for a moment forgetting that this means nothing for his status for next season.
There’s plenty of room for both programs to be successful. Just look at last year, when the teams met in the regional final in St. Louis after an epic Big Ten championship game at Munn.
Nightingale was a home run hire. He’s from the same place (Top of the Mitten) where I live for half the year. They’re a wonderful family, and he’s a great hockey mind. I’m not at all surprised he’s quickly turned MSU back into a solid program. He is somebody that any parent would feel comfortable sending their kid to play for, whether the goal was two-years and into pro, or four years as a depth piece, he will do a great job with your kid, on and off the ice.
That said, I wouldn’t throw dirt on Naurato. He’s had plenty of success himself, with a Big Ten tournament win and two Frozen Four trips in his first three seasons. It’s strange that’s somehow being framed as a failure.
The Michigan brand, the potential NIL money, and the extensive NHL alumni network definitely resonate with players and their agents. For a Division I athlete, especially one involved in NIL, there aren’t many places that combine compensation, campus culture, academics, and professional development like you get in Ann Arbor. You can call it arrogant, loudmouthed, or whatever, but it’s still going to be a big draw for a lot of people, and that is why UM is always brought up when it comes to potential CHL players coming in.
Win win for both players. Although the Chicago to Ann Arbor connection has worked out well for us, but I think he comes in more ready with a season in the OHL than he would coming from the USHL.
More game reps, and the CHL is a step up from the USHL, and makes the transition to the NCAA easier. I don't think the powers that be in the CHL will be angry with a situation like Valentini, who will presumably play a full season next year in addition to any games he plays in these playoffs, but I don't know if this Park situation is something that teams are going to want to see happen, high end college guys hitching a ride onto teams in the middle of the playoffs.
But yeah, this is going to take some getting used to, when I saw Park's name followed by "Calgary Hitmen" I had two decades of PTSD about losing players like John Gibson to the CHL, for a moment forgetting that this means nothing for his status for next season.
