Posted by fuddleduddle on 1/26/2006, 5:28 pm There was a lot more than just one front row season ticket subscriber who put up a "Bud Must Go" sign, so I am not going to assume that it is me, but that is a sign of growing number of disgruntle fans on Bud, and some chose to express their feelings. Three things to clear up: 1- I have never questioned his (Bud) hockey knowledge, but being a coach is more than just being a hockey system guru, you have to demonstrate leadership skills, and being a positive motivator to inspire the team to perform, and it is this aspect that he fails miserably. Also, we (and many others) are questioning his decision making as GM, not just as being the coach. 2- Is this a one line team & one bonifide defenseman? This team is better than just a one line team & 1 star defenseman. Scott Lehman is an OHL all-star, Wilson is one of the top defensive scorer in OHL with a strong reputation as a solid bodychecker. Jaroslav Mrazek is an NHL draftee who played for the Czech Republic in World Junior 05. Rob Kwiet who is a solid rookie defensive player showing good signs in most games this year. Offensively, other than the 1st line of J.Donati-Haskins-Vitarelli, we do have solid offensive player like Tyler Donati, Matt Halischuk (rank solid among scouts), Marek Horsky a solid playmaker & speedster (Slovak World Junior 05), other solid players like Justin DiBenedetto, Matt Caria, and on...... This would comprise more than just one line, but Bud has the tendency to overuse the 1st line, and burns them out (which is leading to breakdowns in play) while leaving others to be underused and even leave the team (I.e. Scott Lavigne) because of it. 3-The team is showing signs of great improvement? The record of 21-18-4-3, 21 wins & 25 losses as "Great Improvement" considering this team has full slate of solid veterans. It is odd to be very satisfied with that record, let alone calling it a great improvement. So what exactly is the "Great Improvements?", since you have never provided any examples either and just speak out of emotion for Buds greatness. Last years late surge was not a success, the overall record was still below .500. and many players did not reach their expected potentials. This year, there were several games the team did a late collapse, literally giving our conference rivals extra points. You want examples, consider these: 1. 5-4 loss to Mississauga on Dec. 8th, after leading 4-0 going to the 3rd period. After that, follow by a 5-2 loss the next day at Mississauga in a home & home series 2. 6-3 lead against Belleville Bulls with approximately 6 minutes left in 3rd period on New Years Day, with a clearly dejected Belleville team after giving up the 6th goal. Belleville managed to score 4 in less than 5 minutes under adversities, and a 4 points swing to another conference rival who is neck to neck with us in standing. 3. 9-4 loss to Brampton Battalions at home in a crucial game in Dec 30th, the team did not show the same intensity as the opposition. 4. After leading 6-3 going into 3rd period against Ottawa 67's, but just manage to win 7-6 in OT after Ottawa score 3 in 3rd period. The OT winner was a soft goal given up by Battochio, not a solid goal. One point gained by a conference rival who is competition for higher position against us. 5. 14-6 slaughtered by London Knights, leaving Savage in net to give up 14 goals at home. What a way to embarrass a youngster in front of a sold out home crowd. 6. Barely managed a 5-4 win in shootout against Oshawa Generals on Jan 8th, after leading 4-2 into 3rd period. One point to Oshawa. There are other games that were quite disappointing, but those above especially sting and stick out. Some of these collapses are common in hockey, but shouldn't and don’t happened repeatedly in a short period of time. There are also very questionable moves that Bud did as GM, but that will take another chunk of space plus Barrie fans have said a lot about this subject as well when he coached there….This is getting too long as it is, that's why I wont point out examples right now. I'll continue to put up signs & express the desire to see Bud get fired at rest of this seasons home games. There is also growing number of fans and others who are doing the same and have already also put signs up and I say thank you for speaking up, we support it, and keep doing it. For those who cant we will continue to be that voice for you! Now do you want to make a case for Bud? You are entitle to your opinion, but back it up with examples of why Bud is a good coach/GM or are you are just speaking with empty words and emotion… Link: Noof
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