WJC: The Official Dean Blais is "The Man" Thread

[William H Bonney]

I had the privilege of being a season ticket holder at University of North Dakota during Blais' tenure, and was blessed to see what great coaching can produce.

A few highlights that epitomize his time there:

First, its no accident that Landon Wilson - a fabulously-talented player - but who didn't fit in with the Blais philosophy which included 100% class attendance (or you're running), 100% on-time to practices (or you're running), no dorm violations (or you're running) ... and so on. Blais sets high standards, and insists on players meeting them; more than a few players got left home for a road trip, and that included star players like Jason Blake and Ryan Johnson. This is very much in the Herb Brooks mold, but it created tangible chemistry as the year(s) passed.

Second, he won the 1997 national title with a team that was undersized and undertalented (one draft choice on the roster, Brad DeFauw). One of Blais' walkons, Matt Henderson, was the MVP of the Frozen Four.

Third, his relationship with Ralph Engelstad and the resulting conversations helped put in place Engelstad's $100 million gift that turned into a fabulous facility, which in turn has brought recruits to town like Parise and Toews, World Curling, and the 2005 WJC. Visionary.

Fourth, he set the standard for what was a good game and what wasn't. One night, after the Sioux clinched another WCHA Conference title, he was on the radio talking about how much room for improvement there was, that he and the staff and team would be watching game films and weren't happy with the performance (after winning by multiple goals).

Humble on the outside, driven on the inside, and always thinking three steps ahead. When he says USA had to out-Canada the Canadians, its a sincere comment and reflects his genuine respect for an outstanding opponent.

Hockey breeds great character, and its been a privilege to be a fan of Dean's teams for over 20 years.

Great post. Thanks for the Dean insight!

 

[The Expert]

Watching the game, one of the biggest difference was the coaches. It was pretty obvious Blais was a doing a great job. Great coach.

USA outcoached Canada for sure.

 

[this providence]

Anyone who was familar with his tenure with North Dakota is not suprised by everything you seen from him throughout the tourny and what you are reading in this thread.

 

[Lifer]

Anyone who was familar with his tenure with North Dakota is not suprised by everything you seen from him throughout the tourny and what you are reading in this thread.

Again, I agree. Going further, Dave Hakstol at North Dakota is also a pretty solid coach. It helps that they have The Ralph now as he is bringing in good talent consistently but he's a good person as well. I used to work at Mariucci Arena and Hakstol was always one of the nicest and most appreciative of the visiting coaches.

 

[Professor Dangles]

"We played Canadian hockey," coach Dean Blais said. "We played gritty. We learned from the best. It's not an accident you guys have won five straight gold medals."

classy, classy thing to say.