OT: USA Hockey Buying Compuware Arena, Moving NTDP
Interesting news that will likely at least somewhat affect Michigan recruiting. USA Hockey is buying Compuware Arena and moving the NTDP program from the Ann Arbor Ice Cube to Plymouth.
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2014/11/24/usa-ho…
"Our intention is to relocate the National Team Development Program to the facility and also use it to host and showcase other USA Hockey programs and international events," said Ron DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey. "In addition, keeping the current users of the building is important to both us and Pete Karmanos. There are a number of issues we're still working through."
November 24th, 2014 at 8:18 PM ^
I'd say bye to the Whalers. Probably going to Brampton or somewhere.
This kinda sucks for hockey fans in Ann Arbor, one less team to watch. And I can't imagine the Cube is pleased about this development. Although who knows, they will probably draw more fans closer to the suburbs.
For U of M hockey probably not great either since the proximity was so close for recruiting... but we will still be the closest major program.
November 24th, 2014 at 8:28 PM ^
Why Brampton? Just lost Junior team and I think they have a minor league team now (ECHL or AHL I have no idea and too lazy to look up)
November 24th, 2014 at 8:34 PM ^
I was just throwing a name out more than anything, the Battalion went to North Bay from there, maybe they could still support a team in the O. I dunno. Maybe they go somewhere upstate New York/Buffalo with it? I don't see the Whalers going somewhere else in Michigan, or to Ohio or Pennsylvania.
The Whalers just don't draw well at all. Karmanos has lots of ties to the area (understatement) so I think he'd like to keep them around here but I don't know where it would work.
November 24th, 2014 at 8:41 PM ^
Yeah, the Whalers don't draw well at all. I live in Plymouth, and I'm a HUGE hockey fan. But I couldn't tell you the last time I have gone to one of their games.
November 24th, 2014 at 8:54 PM ^
They're moving to Plymouth, not Boston...or even Grand Rapids. I think recruiting will be minimally affected.
November 25th, 2014 at 2:53 AM ^
the kids will be living less than 15 minutes to ann arbor. this will affect recruiting very very minimally.
also, the cube doesnt care. they will fill that space with somebody else. maybe not hockey specific, as it was MFit before that space housed USA. and more people come to watch the local high schools than come to watch USA play.
The real interesting thing will be if Compuware sells their arena, where then does Compuware pay? It would be great to see Ann Arbor house one of the top teir AAA programs in the State.
November 24th, 2014 at 8:37 PM ^
Has to hurt the cube.
November 24th, 2014 at 8:50 PM ^
Sucks for the Whalers, sucks for the Cube, sucks for teams/clubs that preferred using Compuware for ice time and events, sucks for Ann Arbor high schools and the many long time host families. Just plain sucks, but I don't think it hurts U of M recruiting in the least and if USA Hockey thinks it's the best thing for them, more power to them.
November 24th, 2014 at 8:54 PM ^
The idea that Michigan recruits better from the NTDP because it's in Ann Arbor is not true. Most of the players commit before they even join the program, and two years in Ann Arbor isn't enough to swing prospects from regions like the northeast or Minnesota to come here.
When the roster has a large group of prospects from the midwest, like 5 years ago and the current U-17 team, we get more commits. When it's built with Northeastern players like the last two years we don't.
November 24th, 2014 at 9:07 PM ^
loss of the usa hockey team will definitely change some social power dynamics
November 24th, 2014 at 9:42 PM ^
I would love for someone to explain the logic that a difference of 14 miles makes for recruiting...It isn't like the NDTP is moving to Denver.
I played hockey through high school and I have only attended two Whalers games in my entire life. The Whalers are a terrible draw in plymouth.
Honestly, I can see this helping open up ice time in Ann Arbor and possibly allow for a secondary ice surface for a women's ice hockey program.
November 25th, 2014 at 12:09 AM ^
The woman's team skates 5 days a week as it is. It is time to make it a varsity sport. The roster they have now would imediatley be formidable and with two years they would challenge for a national championship.
November 25th, 2014 at 12:16 AM ^
Money, lack of fan interest in the women's game, Title IX, and again, money. It's hard enough to field a men's college hockey team.
And, really, I find it very hard to believe a club team could all of the sudden challenge for a national championship if it went varsity when there are so many dominant and established programs. But, there's no way Michigan is going to field a varsity women's team. So, moot point.
November 25th, 2014 at 12:53 AM ^
About half of the team already had scholarship offers from top schools. If it was varsity they would sign 5 of the top 20 girls easily in the first class.
November 25th, 2014 at 8:42 AM ^
I love the over-the-top arrogance of some of the Michigan fanbase. Just like lacrosse where some people thought Michigan would become Syracuse, Hopkins, Duke, and UVa by year 3 and would take half of the top-10 recruits.
November 25th, 2014 at 2:33 PM ^
Well this is what I can say for a fact; the girl I know very well on the team was being recruited by Minnesota and by Minnesota-Duluth. She is a top half player on the team but by no means a star. She cares much more about school and ended up at Uofm. Think about that for a second, that is the equivalent of a 4 star football player turning down USC to walk on to Michigan. There are more than a few other girls in the same situation. Womans hockey is not similar to lacrosse ( which we are recruiting well ) because we could recruit belle tire, honey baked, victory honda and easily get 5 elite players every year.
November 25th, 2014 at 5:50 AM ^
Going have to disagree with you there bando. I definitely believe michigan has the resources to move its club team to varsity. I do agree they will probably struggle for a bit similar to the lacrosse program. It's about time we move them up.
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
November 25th, 2014 at 2:28 AM ^
Safe to assume this move has something to do with the Whalers' future? I know they have been heavily rumored to be on the relocation block
November 25th, 2014 at 2:52 PM ^
the Edmonton Oilers have been trying to move an OHL team to Hamilton for some time and they're presently suing the owner of the Erie Otters for backing out of a deal. I could see them heading back to Canada. Sad, I wish somebody would move them to Fraser or something.