Getting The Band Back Together: The Case For Mike Kemp's Return as Head Coach

The prevailing sentiment during the 2016-17 campaign for the UNO Hockey program was that Coach Blais's time was drawing to a close.

As the team found itself with a so-so record in the second half of the season -- which included two embarrassing losses to a less-than-spectacular North Dakota team in Omaha -- the suggestion that a change might be in order once again surfaced.

At the time, a few souls on social media suggested that former UNO Head Coach Mike Kemp (on staff since 2009 as an assistant athletic director) should step in and take the reins of the faltering Mavericks. 

In the wake of Dean Blais's resignation last week -- and factoring in the state budget crisis that is impacting all government operations, including the university system -- some have suggested that UNO could save money by putting Mike Kemp back in charge of the program.

While the notion might be the ramblings of a vocal few on the web, the idea does have merit. In fact, it is an intriguing idea.

Here's why:

1. Many believe UNO assistant coach Mike Gabinet will be named the next head coach. Be that as it may, some are wary regarding Gabinet's lack of experience in the NCAA, and no long-term experience recruiting at this level. 
2. Much has been made of the fact that Dean Blais never purchased a home in Omaha. Some have implied he was more of a "commuter coach" who didn't fully invest himself in the practice of schmoozing boosters and fans.
3. As a result, many have suggested UNO needs a coach who understands the unique culture at UNO -- even if it means sacrificing experience.
4. Even though UNO Athletic Director Trev Alberts recently told a local radio talk show that financial pressures wouldn't impact hiring a new coach, it still is a factor in every decision UNO makes from an institutional point of view.

Mike Kemp might be the most reasonable choice -- especially if UNO sees Mike Gabinet as the future, but is worried about his experience.

Kemp satisfies all the criteria listed above. He has invested himself in Omaha the past 21 years. Prior to his stint as UNO head coach and assistant AD, he was a college assistant for 20 years, and was even the head coach of UNO's upstart club team in 1975. 

Kemp is perpetually a fixture at various UNO sporting events throughout the year -- representing athletics and the university in his official capacity. 

I've known Mike Kemp since the program began, and worked with him in various capacities when I was on the UNO Blue Line Club Board of Directors. 

If there are concerns about Gabinet being ready to pull the strings of a team two years removed from the Frozen Four, Kemp leading the team for a few seasons would allow Gabinet to more fully acclimate to the job.

It would also allow Kemp and Gabinet to find another assistant who can handle the bulk of the recruiting duties. I would imagine that former Maverick Rob Facca -- currently a Chicago Blackhawk scout -- would be a top choice for recruiting coordinator in that scenario. 

Prior to his NHL gig, Facca was an assistant with Northern Michigan University and Western Michigan University -- and recruited 18 players on the Bronco squad that is a #2 seed in this year's NCAA tournament. 

With Kemp as head coach, I think he could convince Facca to take an assistant position with the program. Facca has a home in Omaha and remains connected to the team's coaching staff and alumni. In addition to Facca, former UNO assistant (and player) Nick Fohr -- currently a coach with the U.S. National Development Team -- might be an attractive option.

I believe Mike Kemp is 64 (he was 43 when UNO hired him away from Wisconsin in 1996). If, in our hypothetical scenario, UNO was to name Kemp head coach, it likely wouldn't be a long-term job.

It would be for the short term, provide stability to the program, and allow the assistants to "season a bit" in the "meat grinder" that is the NCHC -- before taking over in a few years.

It would also allow Mike Kemp to go out as he started … with UNO. 

Kemp was 194-223-57 in his 12 seasons coaching UNO. While the record is sub .500, you're talking about starting from nothing. This isn't like Arizona State or Penn State -- schools that had successful club programs prior to moving up to D-1 (and UNO doesn't have athletics that play in a "power 5" conference). 

The record doesn't tell the whole story. Kemp teams got a lot out of players who weren't blue chippers. In his third season, the Mavs made the CCHA championship game at Joe Louis Arena. In his fourth season, UNO won 24 games and made the conference semifinals at Joe Louis Arena. 

UNO made its first NCAA tournament appearance in 2006, and had its first legit Hobey Baker candidate in Scott Parse. 

It might not have always been pretty, but the program accomplished a considerable amount during those years. 

I'm sure most former coaches have those moments where they say, "If I could do it again, I would do X, Y and Z differently..."

Two of the finest head coaches in Division 1 hockey today are former Kemp assistants -- David Quinn (Boston University) and Steve Rohlik (Ohio State). 

Here's a chance for Kemp to setup the next generation of leadership, and use his 30+ years of coaching experience behind the bench, once again.

Mike Kemp is likely the most experienced and qualified candidate for the job. 

UNO Not Ready for "Full Cost of Attendance Scholarships" - What They Are, and Why Is This Important?

By Jon Brooks

An interesting "bullet point" popped out of Henry Cordes's Omaha World-Herald article on UNO Hockey this week that is important for fans to take note of:

"UNO still isn't ready to implement full cost of attendance scholarships. [Alberts] said he's not sure how many other major hockey schools are doing so, but he said he doesn't feel UNO is at a competitive disadvantage at this point. UNO will continue to evaluate the situation."

Some readers might not be familiar with "full cost of attendance scholarships." This is a new movement in the world of NCAA athletics.

Such scholarships allow schools to pick up the costs for things like "travel expenses," "personal expenses," and "meals and snacks." The NCAA has a Q&A on the topic, and the expenditures will vary based on the school, but will generally range from up to $1,000 to around $6,000 annually, according to a CBS Sports survey about the cost of attendance impact.

In essence, it covers more than tuition, room and board, and required books. It changes the definition of a "full scholarship."

The nation's five wealthiest NCAA-member conferences voted to approve the move. As of Aug. 1, 2015, the new expenditures by schools are now allowed (but not required).

According to USA Today, the resulting changes mean students are receiving $160 million in additional benefits each year as part of this program. The USA Today article includes a video interview with reporter Steve Berkowitz, and he discusses the changes and research he did for the story.

North Dakota Already Offering "Full Cost of Attendance Scholarships" for Hockey
In a blog post last week, I talked about the announcement that North Dakota had decided to dissolve its men's baseball and golf programs.

Eliminating those two sports will save the UND athletic department $750,000 annually, according to Brad Schlossman's article in the Grand Forks Herald.

What was more interesting was to learn that North Dakota already offers "full cost of attendance scholarships" for its men's and women's hockey programs. The university will introduce those scholarships for ALL sports starting next season (at an estimated cost of $731,000).

It's worth noting that the money saved from the eliminated programs is essentially the same amount of money the "full cost of attendance scholarships" will require for funding.

(Note: Miami (OH) will also be an NCHC school offering "full cost of attendance scholarships" for hockey.)

Conflicting Messages
While UNO said this week that it "isn't ready" to implement "full cost of attendance" scholarships, College Hockey News reported in an interview with Dean Blais on Oct. 21, 2015, that UNO would be offering the scholarships:

"'It's all part of the college hockey 'arms race,' with 'full cost of attendance' scholarships being added to it this year, something UNO will be doing.

 'It's one thing after the next,' Blais said. 'That's just the way it is. You don't have to like it, but that's the way it is.'"

It seems, at least for now, that UNO is in a "holding pattern" regarding the additional expenditures for their athletic programs -- including hockey.

What Are the Consequences?
While no one knows the long-term effects of this move by NCAA institutions, it could further the gap between the "haves" and "have nots." It could allow "Power 5" conferences to further increase their competitive advantage over smaller, less financially stable schools and conferences.

As it regards college hockey, there is little doubt that a conference like the Big Ten (along with schools like Notre Dame and Boston College) will have an increased advantage (and will have the budgets to sustain such expenditures for hockey).

As Adam Wodon of College Hockey News points out, we "haven't even gotten into the potential fishiness when it comes to determining what the full cost of attendance is."

Where Will UNO Go From Here?
While the continual "arms race" can create financial burdens and instability, UNO needs to carefully consider its path forward.

One of the selling points during the construction of UNO's Baxter Arena was that the program would finally have a full-time practice facility.

That was a "sticking point" UNO coaches and administrators suggested had been used against them during recruiting battles with other schools.

The difference between an average season and a Frozen Four appearance can oftentimes come down to a couple of players on a roster.

The question is whether "full cost of attendance scholarships" will create gaps between NCHC-member schools.

It also brings into question whether conferences like the NCHC should have policies in place regarding the sorts of scholarships its member institutions offer -- in order to keep a congruent level of competiveness.

The Final Sum Game
UNO made the decision to invest $90 million on a hockey arena in order to be more competitive, and maximize its revenue potential.

The university needs to realize that lack of "full cost of attendance scholarships" could make it more difficult to land a top-tier player in recruiting battles with other institutions -- including fellow conference schools.

While some might not think it will make much difference in the near term, recruiting is a "game of inches," and you have to give your coaching staff every advantage possible.

Mavs Hire a #2: Former Player Mike Gabinet Named Associate Head Coach

Mike Gabinet (photo courtesy of NAIT Athletics)

A little less than two weeks ago on this blog, Jon posted his "Six Possible Candidates for UNO Hockey's Coaching Vacancies." Today, it was announced that one of the six will become associate head coach for the Mavs.

Former Maverick Mike Gabinet (pronounced Gab-eh-NET) will become the associate head coach of the Mavericks.

"Mike is an outstanding coach who has had great success as both a head coach and assistant at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology," said Mavericks head coach Dean Blais in a news release. "He impressed us right away with his knowledge and passion for the game and as an alum, he's all in with what it means to be a Maverick."

Gabinet recently wrapped up his first season as the head coach of NAIT, leading the team to the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference Championship with a perfect 36-0 record. He was the first rookie head coach to guide his team to the conference championship since 2005-06 and the first rookie head coach in Canadian college hockey history to guide his team to an undefeated season. Gabinet was named the ACAC Coach of the Year.

Gabinet played four seasons for the Mavericks from 2000-2004 and was a solid, standout defenseman. He played in 130 career games, netting six goals and 41 assistats -- a mark that still ranks ninth all-time in scoring for UNO defensemen. Gabinet was also a team leader, serving as an alternate captain during the 2003-04 season. Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 2001, he played professionally in the AHL, ECHL and in Europe before starting his coaching career in 2012.

An assistant coach with the Ooks, Gabinet faced his former team as a coach in the exhibition opener during the 2014-15 season. His Ooks soundly beat the Mavs 4-0.

"I am really excited to come back to Omaha and share this great community with my family," said Gabinet. "I am looking forward to working alongside Dean and his staff in helping our student-athletes, the team and the program continue to grow."

He also apparently looks really nice in a suit.

Here's hoping that Gabs is given the opportunity to build a stronger relationship between the coaching staff and hockey fans. It's been several years since the UNO coaching staff has done any significant outreach to season ticket holders and fans. While he's a great guy to talk with, that's just not Dean Blais' thing. Because Gabinet is very recognizable as a former player (and a very tall one at that -- 6' 3"), he could play a role in fan outreach because he is recognizable, in strong contrast to several of the previous assistant coaches. He'll also be able to provide insight into the UNO Hockey community, culture, and college experience for prospective student-athletes, something that we think is essential in recruiting. Ask almost any #oldbull and they will tell you that Omaha's support of the team and players distinguishes it from other programs.

Combine that with top-notch facilities now available with the opening of Baxter Arena this past season (it will be back to normal after last night's fire by the time the 2016-17 season rolls around) and the Mavs are setting themselves up for a bright future.

Related Story Links:
OMavs.com news release
Omaha World-Herald story about the Gabinet hire
Gabinet Wikipedia page

"Why'd They Put the Ginger in the Sun?"

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

This is not going to be an epic blog. I may have given you the wrong impression when my first post was the definitive guide to seating at the new arena, and the most recent one was about the really epic #TacoCannon.

That wasn't my intention when I started this blog. When I gave the link to my first post in the "closed" Mavpuck.com Group on Facebook (yes, you can apply for membership; we share information in that group that we don't share publicly on our Twitter, Facebook page, or the Mavpuck message board forum), this is how I described it:

It's my hope to aggregate information, curate content from other sources (so it's easy to search/locate later on) and share memories from the first 18 years of UNO Hockey history. We want to tell the story of UNO hockey through blog posts, video, audio, pictures, memories, and more! I also want to do more of the "Where Are They Now" features of former players.

And this post really isn't about me (or Jon)... it's about what I saw on Thursday night at the Omaha Storm Chasers game (the "Salute to UNO Hockey") and how it ties into the early days of Maverick hockey.

Jon and I arrived a little later than we wanted to at Werner Park. I had actually left a meeting (with Sheila and Terry Leahy's family about their "Fundraiser for Sheila" efforts) early to try to get there before the game started, and I was under the impression that they were going to have Ryan Massa throw out the first pitch, and Dominic Zombo drop a "ceremonial puck" at home plate AFTER they did autographs. I was wrong.

Posted by Omaha Storm Chasers on Thursday, April 23, 2015

Jon and I got into the stadium after Massa threw out the pitch -- pretty much right as Coach Blais dropped the puck (Zombo was recovering from surgery and couldn't make it).

Brad Williams, of Brad Williams Photography, captured that moment:

I hustled over to try and get a picture from behind home plate ... and arrived just as the team was leaving the field.

Here was the Storm Chasers photo of the guys on the field:

Posted by Omaha Storm Chasers on Thursday, April 23, 2015

Here were mine:

These are horrible pictures. I didn't even have a chance to zoom in. So you can't see the smiles on their faces as they left the field.

They sat down at a long table and started signing ... first baseballs, then schedule posters, but also t-shirts, hats, and hockey jerseys. The fans were smiling ... and so were the guys.

Posted by Omaha Storm Chasers on Thursday, April 23, 2015

And I realized I recognized those smiles.

You see, in the early days of the program, before there were Frozen Four appearances (heck, before there were NCAA Regional appearances) … before there was even a conference affiliation … before the team even had a place to play, the early players were ambassadors to the community.

As one of those pioneering #OldBulls told me when I saw him (on the Road to the Frozen Four, these guys came out of the woodwork to celebrate the milestone of the program they had built with their sweat and tears), they sent the players out on a "goodwill" tour of sorts. They met with business people, sponsors, fans ... almost anyone who would agree to see them.

I remember those early days. There were "Hockey 101s" where various players demonstrated their equipment (goalies were a fan favorite) and Jon and I shared the "booster compliance guidelines" publicly. There were pre-season picnics, a fan get-together before the Maverick Stampede in the bowels of the Civic Auditorium, and pre-season Red/White Scrimmages that were open to donors first (and later the general public). There were "Skate with the Mavs" events held on a weekend afternoon, and everyone from little babies to grandparents were out on the ice with the guys.

As an aside:
Here's my niece Emily at age 3 with one of those Skate with the Mavs events with #OldBull and fan favorites, Jeff Hoggan. This would have probably been during the 1999-2000 season:

Emily Weide and Jeff Hoggan in 1999 or 2000.
Emily is now 18, and Hoggan is 38.

Throughout those events, I remember the smiles. The smiles on the faces of the players as they met their fans were genuine. I met Christian Graham the afternoon of the first-ever game. A client happened to be doing some consulting work for UNO Athletics on athlete nutrition, and we were assessing the need for table tents in the UNO "Training Table" -- basically, a private room in the Milo Bail Student Center where the athletes ate. My client introduced me to him, and while I don't remember what he said exactly, what still sticks with me 18 years later was how genuinely thrilled he was that the community was behind the team. (Remember, the announcement of the new team was made and season tickets sold out in just weeks, even though they had no place to play yet.)

Over all the years since, I have to say that I haven't really seen that smile again. I caught glimpses of it here and there. "Tuesday night." The magical trip to the Joe. The first Regional appearance, in Worchester (pronounced "Wooster," I learned while there). But I hadn't ever seen it again out in the "real world." When the players were wearing street gear, not their jerseys.

I saw it on Thursday night. The guys were wearing street gear -- logoed with "Frozen Four," of course.

But this wasn't just another obligatory post-game autograph session (those have largely disappeared too). This wasn't a First National Bank-sponsored Sunday afternoon event for kids to learn from their hockey heroes (forgive me, I can't remember what the name of this event is, and they didn't have one this past year).

In those events, the smiles are a little forced. Sure, every once in a while you get a genuine kid/player interaction where the smile is real. And sometimes, if you stick around long enough afterwards, you get to see goalie Dayn Belfour joyously skate to "Take Me Home Tonight" in epic ice dancing form (with a special appearance by NHL'er Andrej Sustr):



(It helps if they don't think that anyone is watching ... much less videotaping ...)

But on Thursday, these were real smiles.

Here's what Ryan Massa had to say in the Omaha World-Herald article about the event:

Even Coach Blais acknowledged that this public appearance wasn't a chore for the players:

Those smiles were genuine. The fans needed this chance to say "Thank you for an amazing season" one more time ... and these guys needed to hear it.

Even if that meant an April sunburn for the blondes/redheads. As my younger brother said as we watched the autograph session, "Why'd they put the ginger in the sun?"

Those gingers deserve their moment in the sun. I'm glad they got it.