Vermont 2023/24: Stuck in the Wieds

[TovarishchLisa]

Was at both games and I can't tell which team had the bigger transformation from night 1 to 2. Would like to get excited after Sat but stiil remember how ugly Friday was.

I Can't figure how these schools (Prov, NE) get good players to come play in an empty rink. About 1/3 full Fri and 1/4 Sat. and this is a top 10 team here.

Agree with Soucy as I have been saying this for years when the other team gets powerplays to build the lead and when the game is already over Vermont gets a couple token PP's when they are down 2 or 3 goals late in the game just to make the box score look better.

I can understand Northeastern tbh - good playing time, access to the Beanpot, and a pretty solid student section afaik (it's the non-students that let them down imo). But Schneider is my least favorite place in HE at least on TV. The place is constantly empty, the school's color scheme makes it look drab and depressing, there's no atmosphere, and I feel like even when we were like a fringe tournament team we always got killed there.

[Jim F.]

I would always get annoyed when announcers would say "beautiful Schneider Arena". It may have looked that way from the press box, but the viewing angles in the stands were lousy. I don't remember many blowouts there. I remember Tom Cullity came in with a 10 game goal scoring streak on a Sunday in mid-January. He hit the post and UVM lost 2-1 or 1-0. A win would have put UVM in first place. Also have a vivid memory of Ducharme hitting the crossbar from the blue line. Nowadays, the non stop music blasting makes it virtually impossible for players to hear me. That could be deliberate to prevent visiting fans from outcheering the locals.
UConn not off to a great start this year with two losses to Holy Cross and a split at Union. Last weekend, they only scored twice and split with Lowell. Should be an interesting weekend.

[Vermont2004]

UCONN has had excellent goaltending so far, so it should be an interesting series, probably low scoring but who knows. Hopefully UVM finds a way to find the back of the net. Overall though, I've enjoyed watching them so far. I know it's early but Hockey East seems pretty tight this year. I'm sure someone will break away from the pack but as of right now, anyone seems to be able to win on any given night. Again though, it's early.

[TovarishchLisa]

How long has it been since we had a genuinely stress free league win? My only complaint was no shutout lol

[VTALUM]

Clearly coach of the year honors taking hold. (Eternal optimist, but darn they look good so far!!!)

[SoucyWasNoSieve]

Just too many mistakes last night, after the 2 goal lead happened. Looked slow to the puck in 2nd half of game. And that boarding penalty when already down a man (and in the other team's zone...) - just cannot happen.

[UVM Cat in Texas]

Just too many mistakes last night, after the 2 goal lead happened. Looked slow to the puck in 2nd half of game. And that boarding penalty when already down a man (and in the other team's zone...) - just cannot happen.

Agreed. Thought they looked like a pee wee team during that 8 min stretch when UConn scored 4 times, and particularly the 2 min stretch when they scored 3. Honestly, before the season I thought this is the team we'd be seeing, but instead was pleasantly surprised to see they've been very, very solid. Hopefully, this is a little aberration and we'll be back on track. Would have been awesome to have a 6 pt HE weekend though!

[NYCatamount89]

Got to see the team in person last night. Overall there was a lot to feel good about. I can't remember the last time I saw a UVM team control the play and actually look like the better team. Loved the 2nd uvm goal. Theodore and Miotto are great adds wish they're gonna be here more than a year. Also the atmosphere in the Gut was great. I missed being in the old rink when it's like that.

On the negative side, they came completely undone in the 3rd period. Just looked lost after the tying goal. Penalties are a problem. Richards was lucky not to get kick out on the boarding and the Bergmanis penalty was just straight up dumb. I hope Walther is okay. That happened right in front of me and looked BAD. First thought seeing it was broken arm.

[Catfantoo]

Very interesting weekend. Actually played 5 very good periods of hockey. Hustle, hard work, etc.. Knew that UCONN would make a push on Saturday and disappointed with the UVM response. I think this team actually is quite fast and can put pressure on the opposition. Also hoping the Walter injury isn't significant, not sure if wrist/arm but was holding it coming off the ice. Special teams are an issue. If we want to continue to rise up it has to improve (both PK and PP). Gabe has been playing well and has given the team a chance every night. Wondering if in period 6 of the weekend we lost our legs a bit and then obviously the PP's and quick strikes by UCONN had the team on their heels. Still like what I'm seeing, team is older and more experienced. HE games are going to be tough as usual.

[Catamount93]

So, how many consecutive commitments to other schools without any to UVM before I should get worried? It has to be pretty tough to get people to buy in when you are effectively in a trial period.

[Vermont2004]

There's been a few commitments:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/playe...hael-la-starza
(Says BU but as of yesterday, it's been confirmed he's going to UVM)
https://twitter.com/FargoForce/statu...22640710623462

And there was one other one I saw pop up on my Instagram story but I can't seem to find it now. Also, anyone know what's up with Matt Cato? He put some decent junior stats but hasn't played a minute. Should be a good test tonight against UMASS. Hopefully we can come away with a split at the very least.

[UVM Cat in Texas]

Hopefully we can come away with a split at the very least.

I'd leave off "at the very least." Fairly high ranked team on the road.... A split would be fantastic!!!

[Vermont2004]

I'd leave off "at the very least." Fairly high ranked team on the road.... A split would be fantastic!!!

Maybe a bit too optimistic but if they play like the first game against UCONN/2nd against Providence I think they can eek out a win.

[TovarishchLisa]

I'd leave off "at the very least." Fairly high ranked team on the road.... A split would be fantastic!!!

Got it! Gutsy win too. Congrats Jens on the hatty - been a minute since we had one of those. The press was frustrating UMass all night

[GreenCat]

F Yeah!!! When was the last time a UVM team scored 6 goals!! I like this new coach and team! Carrier smooth and in position at all times!!