NCAA Quarterfinal: Elmira @ Adrian 3/12

[Derek Dunning]

East meets West one week earlier than usual.

First meeting ever between the two clubs with a spot in the FF on the line. Elmira looking to get back for the first time since 2008.

Adrian looking to not only make its first appearance, but also record its first-ever NCAA Tournament win.

Discuss.

[one_to7]

East meets West one week earlier than usual.

First meeting ever between the two clubs with a spot in the FF on the line. Elmira looking to get back for the first time since 2008.

Adrian looking to not only make its first appearance, but also record its first-ever NCAA Tournament win.

Discuss.

Adrian made their first appearance last year.

[PSUChamps2001]

Adrian made their first appearance last year.

Read the context he's talking Final Four

[PrezdeJohnson09]

Re: NCAA Quarterfinal: Elmira @ Adrian 3/12

Adrian made their first appearance last year.

Read what Remy said.

[NorthernLite]

Re: NCAA Quarterfinal: Elmira @ Adrian 3/12

There's not a whole lot to go on to handicap this game. We know Adrian has a very skilled team. There are those who will discount the scoring statistics and argue the numbers reflect the competition. I would argue that this group has performed at a very high level for four consecutive years. This consistency is worthy of respect.

Elmira on the other hand have made 4 consecutive appearances in the tournament playing in what is arguably the toughest conference in DIII, and as we know the only way they qualify is by invitation as Pool B or C participant. They don't often get a night off, and if the tough road they have travelled hasn't taken too much of a toll, they will be very well prepared for whatever Adrian has in store.

Manhattanville was the only common opponent this year and Elmira would win that comparison, but both teams are playing at a different level today than they were back in January.

Team Offense +1 Adrian
Avg/Gm 5.04
Notwithstanding the degree of difficulty in schedules, I think Adrian come out ahead in these stats. They have 3 solid scoring lines with 4 years of chemistry.

Special Teams Even
Adrian's is #2 nationally in PP and # 1 in PK .......however...
Elmira on average spends 9 minutes less in the box than Adrian so I really think it's a wash. Special teams is a huge element in "one and done" tournament play. The more disciplined team will have an advantage. Adrian apears to have the stats and Elmira appears to have more discipline so I call it a wash. That said, I hope we get officials that do their job without becoming a factor in the outcome.

Team Defense +1/2 Elmira
McDonald (7th) has a slight edge statistically over Fogal (8th). Adrian have allowed fewer goals. Given degree of difficulty for the overall season Elmira gets the .5.
Both goalies have been hot at the right time.

Big Game Experience +1 Elmira.
No further comment required

Home Ice +1 Adrian
Adrian fans and students haven't established a whole lot of traditions that would be cause for intimidation to visiting teams, but it gets better every year. The Harris Cup was well attended and a great environment.The Elmira contingent will certainly be our first experience at having a large fanbase supporting the Visitors' side. I hope they leave with good things to report about their Adrian experience, but disappointed with the outcome.

I think this game will be very exciting for those lucky enough to watch it.

My score 4-3 Adrian ....adding to the Legacy of Firsts

[AC09]

Re: NCAA Quarterfinal: Elmira @ Adrian 3/12

Should be a good game. EC definitely has big game experience on their side. I think Adrian has shown they can hang with anyone though. Win or lose, the Bulldog seniors have much to be proud of!
Wish I could be there, but unfortunately will be working...Ah, to be a student again. Webcast will have to do!

[Transplanted Tiger Fan]

Re: NCAA Quarterfinal: Elmira @ Adrian 3/12

It is strange how there has not been a heck of a lot of chatter about this game as far as the teams are concerned. It must be either our respective fan bases are so confident “we” will walk-out with a win, or we’re smart enough to know different and not willing to chirp-up what I believe will be an awesome match-up. Both of these teams are playing very good hockey right now. I can say this about Elmira from direct observation, and have heard [read] this from the Adrian fan base.

As I mentioned last night in the chat, Adrian has held the attention of our “little DIII hockey world” for four years now. Every time there is a cross-regional match-up, it garners more interest than the typical in-region contest. Add Adrian to that cross-regional equation, and it becomes even more “noticed”. Now, add an NCAA playoff to the mix, and you have 200 fans willing to drive 500 miles to take-in the game.

So yeah, definitely worth dropping the coin and spending around 16hrs in a car. No doubt, I am looking forward to it, and possibly meeting some good people along the way.

[NUProf]

Re: NCAA Quarterfinal: Elmira @ Adrian 3/12

If what I saw of the game between Adrian and Manhattanville is an indication, I've got to give the edge to Adrian. I liked what I saw of Adrian in the NSB Classic over New Years, but it seemed that M'ville was much the better at that point in time. That was at New Years, so a lot can change over the course of 2.5 months. I think the week-in week-out intensity of the ECAC West schedule is going to make it difficult for Adrian to hold Elmira off for a full 60 minutes.

That being said this is one of the best stories in D3 hockey over the last four years. Congrats on them earning their first home NCAA game in program history.

[NorthernLite]

Re: NCAA Quarterfinal: Elmira @ Adrian 3/12

No doubt, I am looking forward to it, and possibly meeting some good people along the way.

Frickers would be a good spot to meet and mingle !

[PrezdeJohnson09]

Re: NCAA Quarterfinal: Elmira @ Adrian 3/12

Frickers would be a good spot to meet and mingle !

Can't top Greene's

[bigmrg74]

Frickers would be a good spot to meet and mingle !

Frickers fricking chicken chunks!

[jim32]

Re: NCAA Quarterfinal: Elmira @ Adrian 3/12

Frickers would be a good spot to meet and mingle !

TTF and I will be at Frickers Saturday night!

[LaPuck]

Re: NCAA Quarterfinal: Elmira @ Adrian 3/12

There's not a whole lot to go on to handicap this game. We know Adrian has a very skilled team. There are those who will discount the scoring statistics and argue the numbers reflect the competition. I would argue that this group has performed at a very high level for four consecutive years. This consistency is worthy of respect.

Elmira on the other hand have made 4 consecutive appearances in the tournament playing in what is arguably the toughest conference in DIII, and as we know the only way they qualify is by invitation as Pool B or C participant. They don't often get a night off, and if the tough road they have travelled hasn't taken too much of a toll, they will be very well prepared for whatever Adrian has in store.

Manhattanville was the only common opponent this year and Elmira would win that comparison, but both teams are playing at a different level today than they were back in January.

Team Offense +1 Adrian
Avg/Gm 5.04
Notwithstanding the degree of difficulty in schedules, I think Adrian come out ahead in these stats. They have 3 solid scoring lines with 4 years of chemistry.

Special Teams Even
Adrian's is #2 nationally in PP and # 1 in PK .......however...
Elmira on average spends 9 minutes less in the box than Adrian so I really think it's a wash. Special teams is a huge element in "one and done" tournament play. The more disciplined team will have an advantage. Adrian apears to have the stats and Elmira appears to have more discipline so I call it a wash. That said, I hope we get officials that do their job without becoming a factor in the outcome.

Team Defense +1/2 Elmira
McDonald (7th) has a slight edge statistically over Fogal (8th). Adrian have allowed fewer goals. Given degree of difficulty for the overall season Elmira gets the .5.
Both goalies have been hot at the right time.

Big Game Experience +1 Elmira.
No further comment required

Home Ice +1 Adrian
Adrian fans and students haven't established a whole lot of traditions that would be cause for intimidation to visiting teams, but it gets better every year. The Harris Cup was well attended and a great environment.The Elmira contingent will certainly be our first experience at having a large fanbase supporting the Visitors' side. I hope they leave with good things to report about their Adrian experience, but disappointed with the outcome.

I think this game will be very exciting for those lucky enough to watch it.

My score 4-3 Adrian ....adding to the Legacy of Firsts

What a superb post, the only one I have seen that tries to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, sort of impartially.
I remember when I first posted on this forum, when I first saw Adrian play 4 years ago, and what has happened since: Mitch Albom's support, the NCAA weighting criteria that did not allow Adrian to play on, on the ice those first 2 years, the "it is what it is" nonsense, the naysayer posts about the program and the MCHA, the 4 Harris Cups, blah, blah.
Fast forward to today and it is what it is, indeed, a wonderful opportunity for the 17 seniors and their coach who recruited all of them, to play on in the NCAA DIII playoffs for a second time, this time as host team!!
Congratulations boys and coach, what a ride it has been these past 4 years!!!
Hope you win Saturday and go on to Minny!

[jim32]

Re: NCAA Quarterfinal: Elmira @ Adrian 3/12

Frickers would be a good spot to meet and mingle !

Driving north on 223 (s.main) will we find Fricker's on the west side of the road before Beecher? Near Taco Bell perhaps?

[AC09]

Re: NCAA Quarterfinal: Elmira @ Adrian 3/12

Driving north on 223 (s.main) will we find Fricker's on the west side of the road before Beecher? Near Taco Bell perhaps?

Spot on