RPI coach Dave Smith responds to Oates’ criticism
TROY, N.Y. » A day after former NHL star Adam Oates’ comments about RPI hockey made their way into the public eye, the program’s head coach made a point of responding. Oates was speaking to fans at a Q&A event, and the former RPI standout said he wasn’t interested in being involved in their hiring process, or in the program in general.
“I wasn’t in any contact, they did contact me and I passed because I’m smart enough to know that athletics isn’t the most important thing there,” said Oates, the former Capitals head coach. “And they’re going to make their own decisions, so I didn’t want to waste my energy and be frustrated at the end of it. And that’s exactly what happened. They had a committee, they didn’t listen to the committee and they picked a guy. I have talked to the coach, the new guy. A good man. I feel sorry for Seth (Appert). It’s tough
to coach there, it is. Very hard to recruit with the academic standards. It’s a tough place.”
The comments fell in line with what a slew of other prominent alums had told The Record in April. Athletic director Lee McElroy declined to comment on both occasions. But on Thursday, The Record spoke with head coach Dave Smith. The head coach said he’s been connecting with many of the program’s alums, including Oates, as he tries to create a strong base. The school’s administration also announced plans for a $20 million facility improvement which likely needs alumni support.
“I think that the academic expectations at Rensselaer, but across the ECAC, are high,” said Smith, who was hired in April. “I think the expectations and the standards are high. Those are the types of individuals that we recruit. If you look at the history of success of our alumni after hockey, whether that means right out of college or after a pro career, the rigor of academics has led them to their own personal success.
“I’ve been really comfortable with the standard.”
RPI made the NCAA Tournament one time in Seth Appert’s 11 seasons. Smith takes over after coaching Canisius College. The Engineers finished 8-28-1 last season, and have not brought back a small chunk of the roster from last season. When asked if it makes his job tougher when alumni, not connected with the program, voice their negative opinions, Smith said “yes and no.”
“Yes because we’re actually talking about a passionate group of individuals that want nothing except the standard with which they think about RPI hockey,” Smith said. “They want to compete for an ECAC championship and the national tournament. When it’s not there, frustration comes out.”
“Right now, some of the passion isn’t coming out in a positive manner, and that’s OK because we just had a coaching change,” Smith said. “We’ve had some adversity. When I say ‘better’, I want it to come out in a positive manner as we get moving. The fact that it’s being covered in the news, the fact that it’s on Twitter, the fact that it’s on social media is great.
We’ve got a huge following...People want us to succeed. Pressure is a privilege.”