The Greatest Programs of All-Time: #1-#59

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: The Greatest Programs of All-Time: #1-#59

I remember it well - not happily, but well.

Yeah...a little goalie by the name of Jon Quick stole that one for the Minutemen. Of course, Clarkson's goalie (Leggio?) put up quite a performance as well. 1-0 in Overtime...crazy game. That Clarkson team was very good. I remember watching Nick Dodge essentially single-handedly beat Wisconsin earlier that year...he was a great player.

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: The Greatest Programs of All-Time: #1-#59

#48 - Mercyhurst Lakers
All-Time Record (Division 1): 264-216-53 (.545)
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 3 (2001, 2003, 2005)
NCAA Tournament Record: 0-3
Conference Championships: Regular Season - 4 (Atlantic - 2013-2014, MAAC - 2000-2001, 2001-2002, 2002-2003), Tournament - 3 (Atlantic - 2005, MAAC - 2001, 2003)
National Championships: 0
Points Earned - 4.5085
Change: 0.7277 (+19.25%)
Last Season Position: 47 (down 1 spot)

The Mercyhurst Lakers come in at #48. The Lakers had a great season this year, winning 21 games, claiming the Atlantic Hockey Regular Season Title, and advancing to the Atlantic Hockey Tournament Semifinals. If not for a double overtime loss to Canisius, Mercyhurst may very well have been making their fourth trip to the NCAA Tournament, and perhaps would have been able to keep up with Minnesota State Mankato in these rankings. Unfortunately, they will have to settle with a near 20% increase in their points. The Lakers will return their top goal scorer and 11 of their top 14 scorers from last season. If Coach Rick Gotkin can continue to experience success from this group (they've averaged 20 wins over the past three seasons), Mercyhurst could very well move up in the rankings next season. For now, they will have to settle for coming in at #48.

#48 - Mercyhurst - 4.5085
#49 - Alaska - 3.8568
#50 - Massachusetts - 3.5038
#51 - Alabama Huntsville - 2.1932
#52 - Army - 1.6052
#53 - Canisius - 0.6028
#54 - Robert Morris - 0.5497
#55 - Connecticut - 0.2728
#56 - Sacred Heart - 0.1664
#57 - Penn State - 0.0589
#58 - AIC - 0.0374
#59 - Bentley - 0.0363

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: The Greatest Programs of All-Time: #1-#59

#47 - Merrimack Warriors
All-Time Record (Division 1): 431-549-90
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 2 (1988, 2011)
NCAA Tournament Record: 2-3
Conference Championships: Regular Season - 0 Tournament - 0
National Championships: 0
Points Earned - 4.6092
Change: 0.2085 (+4.74%)
Last Season Position: 46 (down 1 spot)

The Merrimack Warriors come in at #47. The Warriors had a difficult season this year, winning only 8 games, the program's fewest since the 2006-2007 season. Merrimack had a nice run of four consecutive seasons where they were a combined 74-58-19 and made a trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2011. Those seasons saw them jump up the rankings by nearly doubling their points, and their 25 wins in 2010-2011 were the most for the Warriors since they joined Hockey East. Coach Mark Dennehy will have his work cut out for him next season, but if Merrimack can rebound with another solid season, they have a good chance of holding on to their current position. If they can have another season similar to 2010-2011, look for the Warriors to move up the rankings. If they have another season similar to this past year, look for Merrimack to drop. For now, they sit at #47.

#47 - Merrimack - 4.6092
#48 - Mercyhurst - 4.5085
#49 - Alaska - 3.8568
#50 - Massachusetts - 3.5038
#51 - Alabama Huntsville - 2.1932
#52 - Army - 1.6052
#53 - Canisius - 0.6028
#54 - Robert Morris - 0.5497
#55 - Connecticut - 0.2728
#56 - Sacred Heart - 0.1664
#57 - Penn State - 0.0589
#58 - AIC - 0.0374
#59 - Bentley - 0.0363

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: The Greatest Programs of All-Time: #1-#59

#46 - Minnesota State Mavericks
All-Time Record (Division 1): 305-313-77 (.494)
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 3 (2003, 2013, 2014)
NCAA Tournament Record: 0-3
Conference Championships: Regular Season - 0 Tournament - 1 (WCHA - 2014)
National Championships: 0
Points Earned - 4.6448
Change: 1.2611 (+37.27%)
Last Season Position: 49 (up 3 spots)

The Minnesota State Mavericks come in at #46. The Mavericks are a program on the rise under second year head coach Mike Hastings. The Mavericks have nearly doubled their point totals in the past two seasons, both of which included trips to the NCAA Tournament. This season, Minnesota State won their first Tournament Championship, won the most games they ever have at the Division 1 level, and finished with their highest winning percentage at the D-1 level. It could easily be characterized as the best season in the Maverick's short history at the Division 1 level. Of course, nobody in Mankato is going to rest on these laurels, and Coach Hastings has the program headed in the right direction. The Maverick's have risen 4 spots in the past two years, and if they continue to play as well going forward, look for Minnesota State to continue to rise up these rankings, especially if they can start to win some NCAA Tournament games. For now, they sit at #46.

#46 - Minnesota State - 4.6448
#47 - Merrimack - 4.6092
#48 - Mercyhurst - 4.5085
#49 - Alaska - 3.8568
#50 - Massachusetts - 3.5038
#51 - Alabama Huntsville - 2.1932
#52 - Army - 1.6052
#53 - Canisius - 0.6028
#54 - Robert Morris - 0.5497
#55 - Connecticut - 0.2728
#56 - Sacred Heart - 0.1664
#57 - Penn State - 0.0589
#58 - AIC - 0.0374
#59 - Bentley - 0.0363

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: The Greatest Programs of All-Time: #1-#59

#45 - Nebraska Omaha Mavericks
All-Time Record (Division 1): 285-309-75 (.482)
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 2 (2006, 2011)
NCAA Tournament Record: 0-2
Conference Championships: Regular Season - 0 Tournament - 0
National Championships: 0
Points Earned - 5.0605
Change: 0.6402 (+14.48%)
Last Season Position: 45 (unchanged)

The Nebraska Omaha Mavericks come in at #45. Omaha had a solid season in conference, finishing third in the newly formed NCHC, but struggled out of conference and in the conference tournament. As a result, the Mavericks finished below .500 for the second time in the last three seasons. That being said, it was still a positive season for UNO, as they finished much higher than many in the media predicted. Under Coach Dean Blais, Omaha is 91-86-18 with one trip to the NCAA Tournament. If not for faltering come conference tournament time the last couple years, the Mavericks could have made another trip or two to the NCAA Tournament. Omaha is on the verge of jumping in these rankings, but they will need to put together a complete season and make another trip to the NCAA Tournament (and perhaps win a game or two) to do so. For now, they remain at #45.

#45 - Nebraska Omaha - 5.0605
#46 - Minnesota State - 4.6448
#47 - Merrimack - 4.6092
#48 - Mercyhurst - 4.5085
#49 - Alaska - 3.8568
#50 - Massachusetts - 3.5038
#51 - Alabama Huntsville - 2.1932
#52 - Army - 1.6052
#53 - Canisius - 0.6028
#54 - Robert Morris - 0.5497
#55 - Connecticut - 0.2728
#56 - Sacred Heart - 0.1664
#57 - Penn State - 0.0589
#58 - AIC - 0.0374
#59 - Bentley - 0.0363

[Slap Shot]

Re: The Greatest Programs of All-Time: #1-#59

Curious that UNO is ahead of MSUM. Lower overall WIN%, one less NCAA appearance and MSUM has the only conf or tournament title between them. I know it's only 1 spot and no big deal (this is all for fun), but am curious.

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: The Greatest Programs of All-Time: #1-#59

Curious that UNO is ahead of MSUM. Lower overall WIN%, one less NCAA appearance and MSUM has the only conf or tournament title between them. I know it's only 1 spot and no big deal (this is all for fun), but am curious.

I thought the same thing. They have extremely similar records, with Mankato holding a slight edge. Mankato has the extra NCAA Appearance and the conference tournament title. So why is Omaha ahead (even though it's just 4 tenths of a point)?

Two main reasons:
1) Individual Accomplishments
- Omaha has 7 All-Americans and 4 Hobey Baker Finalists (no winners)
- Mankato has 3 All-Americans and only 1 Hobey Baker Finalist (no winner)

2) Omaha has a slightly higher strength of victory component.

Again, it's extremely close (0.4 points), but, at least according to my formula, Omaha just slightly edges Mankato.

[purpleinnebraska]

Re: The Greatest Programs of All-Time: #1-#59

Curious that UNO is ahead of MSUM. Lower overall WIN%, one less NCAA appearance and MSUM has the only conf or tournament title between them. I know it's only 1 spot and no big deal (this is all for fun), but am curious.

We'll settle this October 10 and 11!!!

[Slap Shot]

Re: The Greatest Programs of All-Time: #1-#59

I thought the same thing. They have extremely similar records, with Mankato holding a slight edge. Mankato has the extra NCAA Appearance and the conference tournament title. So why is Omaha ahead (even though it's just 4 tenths of a point)?

Two main reasons:
1) Individual Accomplishments
- Omaha has 7 All-Americans and 4 Hobey Baker Finalists (no winners)
- Mankato has 3 All-Americans and only 1 Hobey Baker Finalist (no winner)

2) Omaha has a slightly higher strength of victory component.

Again, it's extremely close (0.4 points), but, at least according to my formula, Omaha just slightly edges Mankato.

Makes sense.

You still need to fix though having 4 UND teams remaining in your tournament that are all rated higher than every UM team.

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: The Greatest Programs of All-Time: #1-#59

Makes sense.

You still need to fix though having 4 UND teams remaining in your tournament that are all rated higher than every UM team.

FWIW, Minnesota's top team (1980-1981 squad featuring the Broten brothers, amongst others) is rated #18. Only two North Dakota squads (1986-1987 (#4) and 2003-2004 (#17)) rated higher. As for the tournament, I don't really control how those games come out (other than what the simulator draws from my formula). I'd be glad to continue this discussion in that thread if you'd like though. I'd prefer to keep this thread dedicated to the program's overall, not just one specific season.

Also, I'm sure you would be happy to know that Minnesota has the highest strength of victory component out of anyone in college hockey history. It really isn't all that close.

[Slap Shot]

Re: The Greatest Programs of All-Time: #1-#59

No, you don't have any 'splaining to do, Lucy that was all jest. I think it's cool what you've done with all of this, it's a fun concept and you don't need to defend your ratings to anyone imho.

[burd]

Re: The Greatest Programs of All-Time: #1-#59

No, you don't have any 'splaining to do, Lucy that was all jest. I think it's cool what you've done with all of this, it's a fun concept and you don't need to defend your ratings to anyone imho.

Sure, you say that now. Wait til the last cut, then we'll see how you feel.

btw Slap, do I have to put you on ignore to avoid seeing that dam 0.6 all the time?

[Slap Shot]

Sure, you say that now. Wait til the last cut, then we'll see how you feel.

btw Slap, do I have to put you on ignore to avoid seeing that dam 0.6 all the time?

Ha. I will get rid of it soon - I don't usually hang onto signatures very long.

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: The Greatest Programs of All-Time: #1-#59

#44 - Holy Cross Crusaders
All-Time Record (Division 1): 700-672-81 (.510)
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 2 (2004, 2006)
NCAA Tournament Record: 1-2
Conference Championships: Regular Season - 2 (Atlantic Hockey - 2003-2004, 2005-2006) Tournament - 3 (MAAC - 1999, Atlantic Hockey - 2004, 2006)
National Championships: 0
Points Earned - 5.0707
Change: 0.2743 (+5.72%)
Last Season Position: 44 (unchanged)

The Holy Cross Crusaders come in at #44. The Crusaders had a rough season in 2013-2014, losing 22 games, the most since joining Atlantic Hockey. However, this poor season came on the heels of three consecutive seasons of over .500 play from 2010-2013. There is hope for next season though. While the Crusaders will lose two of their top three scorers, they return goalie Matt Ginn and 12 of their top 14 scorers. In order for Holy Cross to continue their climb in the rankings (or at least maintain their position), they will need to win more conference hardware, and make more trips to the NCAA Tournament. Once there, Paul Pearl has proven effective in getting the most out of his team. But, they haven't been to the biggest stage since 2006. As a result, the Crusaders remain at #44.

#44 - Holy Cross - 5.0707
#45 - Nebraska Omaha - 5.0605
#46 - Minnesota State - 4.6448
#47 - Merrimack - 4.6092
#48 - Mercyhurst - 4.5085
#49 - Alaska - 3.8568
#50 - Massachusetts - 3.5038
#51 - Alabama Huntsville - 2.1932
#52 - Army - 1.6052
#53 - Canisius - 0.6028
#54 - Robert Morris - 0.5497
#55 - Connecticut - 0.2728
#56 - Sacred Heart - 0.1664
#57 - Penn State - 0.0589
#58 - AIC - 0.0374
#59 - Bentley - 0.0363

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: The Greatest Programs of All-Time: #1-#59

#43 - Alaska Anchorage Seawolves
All-Time Record (Division 1): 478-612-107 (.444)
NCAA Tournament Appearances: 3 (1990, 1991, 1992)
NCAA Tournament Record: 2-5
Conference Championships: Regular Season - 1 (Great West - 1986-1987) Tournament - 0
National Championships: 0
Points Earned - 6.3671
Change: 0.9845 (+18.29%)
Last Season Position: 43 (unchanged)

The Alaska Anchorage Seawolves come in at #43. Alaska Anchorage had their first winning season in 21 seasons, going 18-16-4 under first year head coach Matt Thomas. The Seawolves came within an overtime goal of advancing to the WCHA Tournament Championship Game for the first time in their history, but fell just short to MacNaughton Cup winning Ferris State in the Final Five Semifinals. It has to be considered a great season given Anchorage's recent history. The Seawolves had never finished above .500 since joining the WCHA, and they won 14 more games this season than they did in their previous campaign. They won 5 more games this season than their previous two seasons combined. Coach Thomas will have a very difficult challenge in repeating this season's success though, as Anchorage graduates their top two scorers and their top two goalies. However, if Anchorage can continue to add to this success, they stand a good shot of moving up the rankings, especially if they can get back to the NCAA Tournament. For now, Alaska Anchorage sits at #43.

#43 - Alaska Anchorage - 6.3671
#44 - Holy Cross - 5.0707
#45 - Nebraska Omaha - 5.0605
#46 - Minnesota State - 4.6448
#47 - Merrimack - 4.6092
#48 - Mercyhurst - 4.5085
#49 - Alaska - 3.8568
#50 - Massachusetts - 3.5038
#51 - Alabama Huntsville - 2.1932
#52 - Army - 1.6052
#53 - Canisius - 0.6028
#54 - Robert Morris - 0.5497
#55 - Connecticut - 0.2728
#56 - Sacred Heart - 0.1664
#57 - Penn State - 0.0589
#58 - AIC - 0.0374
#59 - Bentley - 0.0363