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 ^
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 ^
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 ^
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 ^
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 ^
November 25th, 2014 at 8:42 AM ^
November 25th, 2014 at 2:33 PM ^
November 25th, 2014 at 5:50 AM ^
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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.