D III College hockey

[squeedunk]

Hi all,

Just wondering if there are any D 3 followers out there? My brother-in-law is a freshman at Gustavus and I have watched them play quite a bit this year. It is a fun brand of hockey to see. I think they are having a good year but don't know what to expect from the playoffs. I plan on seeing the Gusties take care of Augsburg this Saturday night.

[TwinkeeDink]

gusties normally have a pretty good squad. i've never been to a game but have seen plenty of WCHA action!!

[crappieflop30]

hey man, who is your brother in law? i also play hockey at gustavus.

[squeedunk]

Brad Wieck. How's the fishing down in those parts? I am thinking of trying out the river this spring.

[MuskyBug85]

Hey crappie who are you? My name is Jonah Winter and i am a senior down here, let me know if you ever want to fish. Jonah

[IFallsRon]

I've gone to a few St. John's games and I wasn't overly impressed. Kids are playing DIII for a reason although that's not to say that there isn't anyone who could play DI. I think that the old junior college league may have been more competitive.

[chief]

Squeedunk,

If you buy into, and admire, the ideal of the Student Athlete, then it's hard to find anything negative about DIII hockey.

From a hockey-only perspective, however, it represents a sort of No-Man's-Land. Though light years ahead of where they were just ten years ago, it's member schools can only attract those players truly capable of cutting it academically and financially. Yes, I know financial aid is avaialble, but these schools aren't the least bit compelled to hand it out to athletes. A high profile athletic program, in any sport, doesn't produce enough revenue or prestige to matter to the administrations.

Coaching is probably the biggest weakness at these schools. Most top flight high school coaches don't see DIII as a significant step up, and those who are teachers aren't usually qualified to teach at the college level. Additionally, the semi-remote location of many of these schools discourages interest from many coaches. Coaches already involved at the college, or junior levels wouldn't consider a move to DIII because of the limited qualified player pool, and the limited opportunities to develop talent for the next level.

Personally, I like DIII hockey, and I see a lot of MIAC games here in the Twin Cities. And, as Ifalls Ron says, there are a number of DI level players in it. However, it is what it is.

Last I checked, there's only 4 points separating the top 5 teams in the MIAC. My guess is it'll come down to Bethel and/or St. Thomas winning it all. Hamline is my dark horse.

[SmallieSweetie]

Huge D3 hockey fan here! Concordia Cobbers is my home and although the season has been rough as [PoorWordUsage], we've got some serious new talent for next year, including a new coach. Keep your eyes on the Cobbers 08'-09'. Things are changing up here.

For this season, I'd put my money on Bethel. Their defense is amazing and it's hard to ignore the team work.