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It seems as though I took Macman's thread a little off topic with my rant last night. For that... Macman, I'm sorry. Certainly didn't mean to do that. It also seemed like I was attacking Marta about her comments in being a Miami North, and for that, Marta, I'm sorry. My post was an off-the-handle rant and was certainly not pointed at one certain person and am sorry it was taken that way.

However, what I was trying to say is this:

The athletic department (GC + the SIDs) have a job to do. We all may not like the way they do their jobs. We all may not agree with their policies, practices, and actions. However, there is a right and a wrong way to post complaints/alternate feelings/whatever you want to call it when it comes to sharing with everyone on the board. Let's be constructive. Let's be positive. Let's offer solutions instead of creating turmoil. Let's be tactful. We can all disagree, but let's respect each other when doing so. Do some research. Back up your claims. Don't make personal attacks. Get heated and passionate, but don't let that get in the way of progress!

I certainly do see things from the other side now that I "work" with the department. Does that mean I agree with everything they do? Nope... and you'll see me share those sentiments when I see the time is right. You'll never see me trash the department though with blind rage like I have seen on here before. I'm appreciative of the support the department has given the working media members of this site and just don't want to see that taken away.

In closing, I'm sorry if I offended everyone. It seems this board is fairly polarized, and there isn't a lot of people in the middle. I try to be one of those people in the middle staying neutral. Am I wrong? Maybe some of time, but we all have our weaknesses. Thoughts, comments, etc? Feel free to share them here. I'm not trying to shut anyone up. All of our opinions matter and are important.

Thanks for reading!
-Todd

Oh, I almost forgot... if there is one thing that I DON'T want BGSU to become ... is another Miami. I grew up in Cincinnati and 78% of my graduating class went to Miami and I can't stand half of the people I graduated with so definitely not my intent to be a Miami Jr.!

toddpav wrote: It seems this board is fairly polarized, and there isn't a lot of people in the middle.

Just as, seemingly, in every medium these days, the polarized set up their hew and cry from both ends and the middle doesn't feel strongly enough one way or the other to get involved. Do I wish they had hired someone with head coaching experience? Yes. Is Chris one of the hottest coaching prospects in the country? Yes. Do I see a need to write a post saying that this has the potential to be a good thing for BG hockey but we'll have to wait a few years and see how it all turns out? No, not really.

There's a lot of us in the middle, Todd. We just don't make the effort to write posts saying so.

I think one thing that rubbed a few people the wrong way was the timing of the announcement. There were some that felt the introduction overshadowed the banquet and was insulting to Dennis. First, I will not disagree that the timing was cringe-worthy. But, we all forget that we aren't the only school looking for a coach right now and Chris Bergeron was on OSU's shortlist. We acted quickly to get our guy before OSU could do the same. Monday's introduction/presser was not when Dennis found out he wasn't going to be offered the job. Sunday night Christopher called him before meeting with the team and informed him then.

Second, there have been some complaints that information hasn't been more forthcoming in regards to the ice arena renovations. One thing that people continue to forget is how weird our set-up is in regards to the Ice Arena: the Ice Arena is administered and managed by the Dept. of Recreation Sports. The hockey team is administered and managed by the Athletic Department. The Bring Back the Glory campaign is administered and managed by the BGSU Foundation. This week Greg Christopher announced exactly what will be renovated/replaced this summer. Of this work to be completed it MUST be done in 150 days so the contractor's and arena staff won't have time to document the process or snap some pictures. I can promise you the work is being done and there will be noticeable changes come August/September. If people would like I might be able to snap some pictures every couple weeks or so of any changes I see inside the arena.

Now, regarding what Todd was trying to explain to everyone: we are very lucky at BGSU. We are going to disagree with things that the administration or coaches do. But, I challenge you to find another administration that is as open and interactive with their fans. For example: on multiple occasions this year Ryan Gasser was able to get media passes for me when the host school had denied my request. Also, at the game at LCA Ryan gave up his seat in the press box so I had a spot to do my liveblog from. So, when you see Todd or I get a little fired up because someone takes issue with the way he's written a recap you should understand why we're going to fire back. We talk all the time about how much of a family BGSU is and how proud we are of those who have moved on to success after school. Why don't we show that same kind of respect to those who put in the work to inform you of their successes? I can't count how many times I would leave the rink at 11:30p-12a on game nights and Ryan would still be working away to get his recap and other duties done.

If you have an idea of something that could help out by all means please step up and suggest it. But, posting "That sucks" is neither productive or intelligent by any means. Make BG better with ideas, not attacks.

toddpav wrote:Oh, I almost forgot... if there is one thing that I DON'T want BGSU to become ... is another Miami. I grew up in Cincinnati and 78% of my graduating class went to Miami and I can't stand half of the people I graduated with so definitely not my intent to be a Miami Jr.!

You have no idea how happy I am to hear this, Todd!! And yes, I did feel a bit attacked, but found it absolutely frickin' hilarious how fast my "fan club" jumped to my defense!! (You guys rock, btw!! ) I didn't see any of it until this morning as I went to bed after my "brotherhood" rant. I admit...I'm extemely emotional about the head coach topic, due to how I feel about Willy. Having watched him mature from a high energy player into a passionate young coach makes my opinion more than a little biased. My distain for the redhacks and their recent behavior (which includes rico's stupid, immature antics) is another issue that I let cloud my emotions regarding the new coach from that team down south. Give me a little longer to get my attitude adjusted and I'll be fine... I do, however LOVE the emotions and passion that Falcon Hockey brings out in all of us!!!

Appreciate all of these comments. I, too, was first appalled at the coaching announcement ... Miami North? ... after a president ... Kent West? But after cooling down, reading blogs and comments from the outside, and viewing some videos and listening to the interviews, I'm thinking "Yes, we're on the right track. I haven't felt this much energy in years!" Could be the Hawthorne Effect, but I'm excited for the future for the first time in a long time. It seems that the program had to be in crisis mode for anything to be done ... for than I am truly sorry ... and for the response I am truly grateful.

BG's Back baby...Thought we needed a little fan pump up... did anyone see Bergeron on NHL power play? Mike Johnson the former BG guy interviewed him and it was pretty exciting seeing he and Bergeron psyched about the future of BG hockey.

ktrain wrote:BG's Back baby...Thought we needed a little fan pump up... did anyone see Bergeron on NHL power play? Mike Johnson the former BG guy interviewed him and it was pretty exciting seeing he and Bergeron psyched about the future of BG hockey.

Is there a link to that interview?