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Post by matunuck on May 4, 2022 15:11:08 GMT -5
Just got this email from HC Athletics:
“I hope this note finds you well. I write to you today with some exciting updates from Holy Cross men’s hockey. I recently had the opportunity to meet with the new Director of Athletics, Kit Hughes, Head Coach Bill Riga, and several other men’s hockey alumni, and the meeting left me really excited about the promising future of our program. I’d like to share a recap of the call with you all.
Kit led the call with a clear and concise depiction of the biggest challenge we have as a program: the rink. He pulled no punches here. Kit shared that Sasaki is conducting a feasibility study to determine what is possible. Following the study, Holy Cross will have some decisions to make prior to establishing a timeline and developing a fundraising plan to move forward. This is important for HC Hockey to be competitive on a national level in the long term, but also to retain players in the short term. With the new NCAA rules that allow players to essentially be free agents, Kit shared that our ability to successfully develop players on a daily basis is critical to both acquiring and retaining top talent at Holy Cross. Updating our facility will certainly make our program more appealing to our current and future players and will help us run an increasingly successful and competitive program.”
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Post by hchoops on May 4, 2022 16:26:54 GMT -5
Better late than never, but better never late.
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on May 4, 2022 16:55:35 GMT -5
Just got this email from HC Athletics: “I hope this note finds you well. I write to you today with some exciting updates from Holy Cross men’s hockey. I recently had the opportunity to meet with the new Director of Athletics, Kit Hughes, Head Coach Bill Riga, and several other men’s hockey alumni, and the meeting left me really excited about the promising future of our program. I’d like to share a recap of the call with you all. Kit led the call with a clear and concise depiction of the biggest challenge we have as a program: the rink. He pulled no punches here. Kit shared that Sasaki is conducting a feasibility study to determine what is possible. Following the study, Holy Cross will have some decisions to make prior to establishing a timeline and developing a fundraising plan to move forward. This is important for HC Hockey to be competitive on a national level in the long term, but also to retain players in the short term. With the new NCAA rules that allow players to essentially be free agents, Kit shared that our ability to successfully develop players on a daily basis is critical to both acquiring and retaining top talent at Holy Cross. Updating our facility will certainly make our program more appealing to our current and future players and will help us run an increasingly successful and competitive program.” This is consistent with what Marcus Blossom outlined before he scooted off to Creighton. I believe Sasaki's campus plan is to be finished this summer. That there is mention of fund-raising indicates that expanded seating is in order. (Without being too avaricious, I can think of a lead donor.) The bare minimum option was to renovate the men's side of the rink, which was untouched during the Luth construction, and replace the mechanicals. The chiller is three years old. |
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Post by longsuffering on May 4, 2022 18:13:33 GMT -5
Just got this email from HC Athletics: “I hope this note finds you well. I write to you today with some exciting updates from Holy Cross men’s hockey. I recently had the opportunity to meet with the new Director of Athletics, Kit Hughes, Head Coach Bill Riga, and several other men’s hockey alumni, and the meeting left me really excited about the promising future of our program. I’d like to share a recap of the call with you all. Kit led the call with a clear and concise depiction of the biggest challenge we have as a program: the rink. He pulled no punches here. Kit shared that Sasaki is conducting a feasibility study to determine what is possible. Following the study, Holy Cross will have some decisions to make prior to establishing a timeline and developing a fundraising plan to move forward. This is important for HC Hockey to be competitive on a national level in the long term, but also to retain players in the short term. With the new NCAA rules that allow players to essentially be free agents, Kit shared that our ability to successfully develop players on a daily basis is critical to both acquiring and retaining top talent at Holy Cross. Updating our facility will certainly make our program more appealing to our current and future players and will help us run an increasingly successful and competitive program.” This is consistent with what Marcus Blossom outlined before he scooted off to Creighton. I believe Sasaki's campus plan is to be finished this summer. That there is mention of fund-raising indicates that expanded seating is in order. (Without being too avaricious, I can think of a lead donor.) The bare minimum option was to renovate the men's side of the rink, which was untouched during the Luth construction, and replace the mechanicals. The chiller is three years old. Thanks for the shout out but I put a little something in the March of Dimes can at the donut shop today so I'm tapped out.  If renovation of the rink along with retaining Chesney are examples of priorities Kit places higher than axing BN this year, I'm OK with it. |
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Post by sader1970 on May 4, 2022 19:35:59 GMT -5
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on Jun 16, 2022 6:30:15 GMT -5
Sasaki is presenting options, with costs. HC is not willing to spend anywhere near what UConn is spending for its new on-campus rink ($70 million, 2,600 seats). If seating is increased, capacity would be between 2,000-2,500, likely closer to the mid-point.
Men's locker room has insufficient number of lockers, and film room doesn't have enough seats.
Fund-raising will be the next step after an option is selected.
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Post by matunuck on Jun 16, 2022 11:36:59 GMT -5
Wonder if we will get to see the options presented.
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Post by rgs318 on Jun 16, 2022 11:59:07 GMT -5
I hope so. Many alumni are waiting for something on which to base their future gifts to HC. Here is where transparency could be very valuable.
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Post by longsuffering on Jun 16, 2022 12:04:08 GMT -5
I hope so. Many alumni are waiting for something on which to base their future gifts to HC. Here is where transparency could be very valuable. I'm waiting for something to comment on.🙂 |
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Post by timholycross on Jun 16, 2022 22:45:52 GMT -5
Is one of them put an inflatable bubble over Fitton and utilize the flood plain?
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Post by alum on Jun 17, 2022 8:59:06 GMT -5
Sasaki is presenting options, with costs. HC is not willing to spend anywhere near what UConn is spending for its new on-campus rink ($70 million, 2,600 seats). If seating is increased, capacity would be between 2,000-2,500, likely closer to the mid-point. Men's locker room has insufficient number of lockers, and film room doesn't have enough seats. Fund-raising will be the next step after an option is selected. Will the College require this be fully funded by donations? Is there a concern that gifts for this will detract from annual fund and endowment giving or do they anticipate that these would be funds that would otherwise not be forthcoming? |
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on Jun 17, 2022 9:57:56 GMT -5
I expect the Sasaki campus plan will include the preferred option. Whether other options, and their associated cost, will also be referenced, I know not. At a minimum, the west side of the rink must be blown out to expand the space for the locker rooms and film room on that side of the rink. A second potential piece would be to expand the size of the ice sheet. from 200 x 85 to 200 x 90. The great majority of college rinks are 200 x 85. Kit mentioned the size of the ice sheet. www.collegehockeynews.com/almanac/arenas.phpThis could be done by blowing out the west side. The larger costs arise when expanding the spectator seating, assuming the seating remains exclusively on the west side of the rink. (Some of the current spectator capacity is standing room.) Expanding the seating means a new roof, and higher walls. The chillers are apparently several years old. I do not know how much of the other mechanicals and utilities must be replaced, because they are at, or have exceeded their design life. There is sufficient space on the west side of the rink to easily blow out the wall without disrupting traffic flow around the Luth complex. _____________ As for funding, there is a need to raise money to pay for much of this, but I suspect the college will pay for some of the cost. I sense there is an upper bound that TPTB have given Kit as to total cost. ____________ I looked at the list of donors for The Jo, and the Chateau d'Yquem donation was not included. This makes me think that those monies, originally intended to renovate the old field house, are possibly being re-directed to the reconstruction and expansion of the Linda Smith soccer stadium. HC generally carries over $100 million in cash on its books. Figge was financed without resort to bonds. |
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Post by longsuffering on Jun 17, 2022 10:52:45 GMT -5
I suppose they won't look at a five year attendance history and propose an option to not blow out the walls and roof but rather reduce capacity to make seating as comfortable and attractive as possible, secure in the knowledge there is a large arena downtown to move games to if HC hockey gets hot and starts selling out the Hart?
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Post by bfoley82 on Jun 17, 2022 10:54:16 GMT -5
I expect the Sasaki campus plan will include the preferred option. Whether other options, and their associated cost, will also be referenced, I know not. At a minimum, the west side of the rink must be blown out to expand the space for the locker rooms and film room on that side of the rink. A second potential piece would be to expand the size of the ice sheet. from 200 x 85 to 200 x 90. The great majority of college rinks are 200 x 85. Kit mentioned the size of the ice sheet. www.collegehockeynews.com/almanac/arenas.phpThis could be done by blowing out the west side. The larger costs arise when expanding the spectator seating, assuming the seating remains exclusively on the west side of the rink. (Some of the current spectator capacity is standing room.) Expanding the seating means a new roof, and higher walls. The chillers are apparently several years old. I do not know how much of the other mechanicals and utilities must be replaced, because they are at, or have exceeded their design life. There is sufficient space on the west side of the rink to easily blow out the wall without disrupting traffic flow around the Luth complex. _____________ As for funding, there is a need to raise money to pay for much of this, but I suspect the college will pay for some of the cost. I sense there is an upper bound that TPTB have given Kit as to total cost. ____________ I looked at the list of donors for The Jo, and the Chateau d'Yquem donation was not included. This makes me think that those monies, originally intended to renovate the old field house, are possibly being re-directed to the reconstruction and expansion of the Linda Smith soccer stadium. HC generally carries over $100 million in cash on its books. Figge was financed without resort to bonds. If you are going to expand the ice surface, your expenses are going to explode since you need to dig up the entire infrastructure under the ice and redo it. Better leaving that as is. |
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on Jun 17, 2022 11:31:52 GMT -5
I expect the Sasaki campus plan will include the preferred option. Whether other options, and their associated cost, will also be referenced, I know not. At a minimum, the west side of the rink must be blown out to expand the space for the locker rooms and film room on that side of the rink. A second potential piece would be to expand the size of the ice sheet. from 200 x 85 to 200 x 90. The great majority of college rinks are 200 x 85. Kit mentioned the size of the ice sheet. www.collegehockeynews.com/almanac/arenas.phpThis could be done by blowing out the west side. The larger costs arise when expanding the spectator seating, assuming the seating remains exclusively on the west side of the rink. (Some of the current spectator capacity is standing room.) Expanding the seating means a new roof, and higher walls. The chillers are apparently several years old. I do not know how much of the other mechanicals and utilities must be replaced, because they are at, or have exceeded their design life. There is sufficient space on the west side of the rink to easily blow out the wall without disrupting traffic flow around the Luth complex. _____________ As for funding, there is a need to raise money to pay for much of this, but I suspect the college will pay for some of the cost. I sense there is an upper bound that TPTB have given Kit as to total cost. ____________ I looked at the list of donors for The Jo, and the Chateau d'Yquem donation was not included. This makes me think that those monies, originally intended to renovate the old field house, are possibly being re-directed to the reconstruction and expansion of the Linda Smith soccer stadium. HC generally carries over $100 million in cash on its books. Figge was financed without resort to bonds. If you are going to expand the ice surface, your expenses are going to explode since you need to dig up the entire infrastructure under the ice and redo it. Better leaving that as is. It may need to be dug up anyway. I suspect it is original, and now nearing 50 years since it was installed. If so, I doubt they would leave it in place, and hope to get another, five, ten, or 20 years out of it. |
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Post by longsuffering on Jun 17, 2022 12:23:07 GMT -5
Is there a Holy Cross position on the effect of streaming all home games of the tradiditiobal spectator sports of basketball, hockey and football and what is the best way to respond when it comes to seating amenities in the three venues?
My thinking is fewer but higher quality seats and more comfortable eating, drinking and mingling amenities are appropriate when money must be spent on upgrading a facility.
Sports fans no longer "need" to get to the field, gym or rink to see a game so the ones that do probably have a closer bond to the team and school and deserve and will utilize better game day amenities.
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Post by bfoley82 on Jun 17, 2022 13:52:32 GMT -5
Is there a Holy Cross position on the effect of streaming all home games of the tradiditiobal spectator sports of basketball, hockey and football and what is the best way to respond when it comes to seating amenities in the three venues? I believe it is the conference who is in charge of the streaming packages so Atlantic Hockey/Hockey East |
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Post by longsuffering on Jun 17, 2022 14:00:56 GMT -5
Is there a Holy Cross position on the effect of streaming all home games of the tradiditiobal spectator sports of basketball, hockey and football and what is the best way to respond when it comes to seating amenities in the three venues? I believe it is the conference who is in charge of the streaming packages so Atlantic Hockey/Hockey East I am thinking that streaming is here to stay and curious if this changes anything in facility planning by colleges. |
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Post by bfoley82 on Jun 17, 2022 14:23:24 GMT -5
I believe it is the conference who is in charge of the streaming packages so Atlantic Hockey/Hockey East I am thinking that streaming is here to stay and curious if this changes anything in facility planning by colleges. It should |
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on Jun 18, 2022 6:55:46 GMT -5
Is there a Holy Cross position on the effect of streaming all home games of the tradiditiobal spectator sports of basketball, hockey and football and what is the best way to respond when it comes to seating amenities in the three venues? My thinking is fewer but higher quality seats and more comfortable eating, drinking and mingling amenities are appropriate when money must be spent on upgrading a facility. Sports fans no longer "need" to get to the field, gym or rink to see a game so the ones that do probably have a closer bond to the team and school and deserve and will utilize better game day amenities. Kit addressed this. He said that fans/spectators are seeking more of an 'experience' than just the game itself. Think Polar Park. If there was nearly unlimited funds, the Hart venues would be redesigned to offer boxes, provide more fan amenities, etc. He said if Fitton were ever rebuilt, it would be downsized to 14-15,000 seats. The Hart court is right-sized at about 3,500. The rink should hold 2,200-2,300 (The expanded stadium for soccer/lacrosse would seat 3,000. Field hockey and track will probably see more seating than now in conjunction with increased seating for the soccer stadium. The new softball field will probably have more seating than present.) |
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Post by woorat on Jun 18, 2022 9:32:50 GMT -5
The floor was dug up back in the 90's I believe because of a leak in pipes below the concrete. The boards and tempered glass was also replaced.....Not sure when but in good shape. Leave the surface along and focus on the seating, locker rooms, meeting rooms, etc. Also, install a center scoreboard if raising the roof.
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Post by HC92 on Jun 18, 2022 12:18:22 GMT -5
There are a lot of things that could be improved. Just about everything as a matter of fact. Hopefully, we are getting a list of options and will put together the package that gets us the most bang for our buck. Here are at least some of the things we should be pricing
Seating
Better seats
More seats
Seats around the entire rink
Scoreboard
Bigger, better, over center ice.
Playing surface
Change size?
Change location to address seating needs?
Locker rooms
Hockey staff offices
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Post by longsuffering on Jun 18, 2022 14:33:26 GMT -5
Point four: seats on only one side of a field or rink says rinky dink. No criticism of entities who construct within restrictions of budget or space resources but the opportunity to have a true home and visitor side heightens the experience and two sides of stands doubles the amount of premium seating closest to the action.
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Post by nycrusader2010 on Jun 18, 2022 17:02:46 GMT -5
I hope so. Many alumni are waiting for something on which to base their future gifts to HC. Here is where transparency could be very valuable. Holy Cross is not great at transparency. |
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Post by rgs318 on Jun 18, 2022 17:23:19 GMT -5
Granted, but one can always hope.  The past need not dictate the future. |
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If renovation of the rink along with retaining Chesney are examples of priorities Kit places higher than axing BN this year, I'm OK with it.
