ECAC Semifinals & Finals: Albany, NY

[Red Cloud]

Re: ECAC Semifinals & Finals: Albany, NY

Wow, I am getting all sentimental. I might even tear up. What's next? A group hug with Red Cloud?

I'm all about group hugs, Bob.

[Red Cloud]

Re: ECAC Semifinals & Finals: Albany, NY

I am disappointed. I am disappointed that RPI could not advance past the 1st round against a team with a substantially worse seed and record on their home ice.

Obviously, RPI would have put more fans in the seats. Therefore, I am disappointed in the team you defend on this forum, Seth Appert, and every player on RPI's roster.

Oh, now we're going to play this petulant little game. I'm not into it.

No one is taunting you over the fact that Cornell will probably still outdraw Union this weekend. It's just the way things are - Cornell draws extremely well for these events and it's unlikely that Union, who usually can't sell out its small rink, will draw enough casual fans to the TUC to outnumber Cornell. I don't like it any more than you do, but it's the truth.

I swear, sometimes cheering for Union can be such a hassle. Fortunately, there are enough fans who don't resort to childish stuff like this every time they don't get their way that it is indeed worthwhile.

RPI has nothing to do with the fact that Cornell will outdraw Union this weekend. Sorry. Apparently you're not as well in tune with the TUC or the ECAC as you thought you were.

[soxrok3]

Re: ECAC Semifinals & Finals: Albany, NY

Well, prepare to be disappointed.

I am disappointed. I am disappointed that RPI could not advance past the 1st round against a team with a substantially worse seed and record on their home ice.

Obviously, RPI would have put more fans in the seats. Therefore, I am disappointed in the team you defend on this forum, Seth Appert, and every player on RPI's roster.

[soxrok3]

Re: ECAC Semifinals & Finals: Albany, NY

For those of you concerned "something is up" to quote UnionHockeyManiac, my original post was to begin this thread and to hopefully garner a discussion of the participating teams, the venue and the ECAC as a whole.

Forgive me.

However, I have been to the event since it began in Albany 8 years ago. I am well versed in everything TUC, ECAC and Albany, NY.

[rvd5star69]

Re: ECAC Semifinals & Finals: Albany, NY

rpi is the only team never to have made it to albany for final four

[UnionHockeyManiac]

Re: ECAC Semifinals & Finals: Albany, NY

I, too, wish the ECAC tourney was staying in Albany (for obvious reasons). Honestly, it makes the most sense. I'm saying this despite the fact that this will most likely be my last year living in the capital district since I will be graduating from Union in June (next year I'll be living in or around NYC). Albany is basically the center of the ECAC in terms of location. That reason alone is good enough to keep the tournament there.

Albany is 4 hours from Clarkson. Atlantic City is 8 hours from Clarkson.
Albany is 4 hours from SLU. Atlantic City is 8 hours from SLU.
Albany is 3 hours from Dartmouth. Atlantic City is 6 hours from Dartmouth.
Albany is 3 hours from Harvard. Atlantic City is 5.5 hours from Harvard
Albany is 3 hours from Cornell. Atlantic City is 5.5 hours from Cornell.
Albany is 3 hours from Brown. Atlantic City is 5 hours from Brown.
Albany is 3 hours from Princeton. Atlantic City is 1.5 hours from Princeton.
Albany is 2.5 hours from Yale. Atlantic City is 3.5 hours from Yale.
Albany is 2.5 hours from Quinny. Atlantic City is 3.5 hours from Quinny.
Albany is 2 hours from Colgate. Atlantic City is 5.5 hours from Colgate.
Albany is 20 minutes from Union. Atlantic City is 4.5 hours from Union.
Albany is 10 minutes from RPI. Atlantic City is 4.5 hours from RPI.

In conclusion, Atlantic City is much farther than Albany for every school except for Princeton. I think attendance is going to be even worse with this move.

[GreatLakerMohawk]

Re: ECAC Semifinals & Finals: Albany, NY

Wow, I am getting all sentimental. I might even tear up. What's next? A group hug with Red Cloud?

Bob, that could've been arranged when you were in Troy.

[UnionHockeyManiac]

Re: ECAC Semifinals & Finals: Albany, NY

Yeah...Somethings up.

[Bob McKenzie]

Re: ECAC Semifinals & Finals: Albany, NY

For a variety of reasons over the last few years , I have been amongst those who have lamented the ECACs being in Albany and the overall lack of atmosphere at the TUC. But ever since the ECAC announced the tourney is moving to Atlantic City after this year, I find myself thrilled to be making the drive to Albany for the third time in four years.

The TUC never looked so good. LOL.

Maybe that's just because my kid is a senior and the college hockey ride is almost over. Or maybe it's because getting to the ECAC final four is such a pleasant surprise for a team that wasn't pegged to do much.

Whatever the reason, Albany and the TUC are going to be like home, sweet home this week. The fact SLU gets the night game on Friday and against an opponent that could draw a few fans makes it even better.

Wow, I am getting all sentimental. I might even tear up. What's next? A group hug with Red Cloud?

[redhead18]

Re: ECAC Semifinals & Finals: Albany, NY

I'll be headed to Albany for this great event. So far SLU and Cornell have clinched berths to the Semi-finals with two series being decided tonight! Whose planning on going? Is the venue nice? (I've heard good things). Will the attendance be high? Let me know I'm VERY excited!!!!

I have been to every ECAC Semifinal and Final since it has been in Albany.

[Red Cloud]

Re: ECAC Semifinals & Finals: Albany, NY

Also, being an Albany native, I'd like to add that I've waited 8 years for a local team to be in the Final Four. Now that its arrived, should Union not outdraw Cornell, I personally would be a bit disappointed.

Well, prepare to be disappointed.

[soxrok3]

Re: ECAC Semifinals & Finals: Albany, NY

Agreed - also misunderstanding the nature of Cornell's support. Distance from their campus isn't as relevant as it would be for most other teams. The size of the Union contingent relative to Cornell's will not necessarily say anything about Union fans.

I appreciate your responses.

However, I have not misunderstood how much support Union or Cornell will have. Let me preface this by saying that I have been to every ECAC Semifinal and Final since it has been in Albany. I'm fully aware what Cornell brings to the table in terms of attendance and support. While I'm EXTREMELY impressed that they come all the way to Albany, I think Union is capable of outdrawing them. If they drew 2,000 to their last two home games, what would prevent MORE of their fans from coming to two games that mean even more? Plus, I would imagine a few hundred "bandwagon" Union alumni coming out to support their school. Also, like I said, it WOULD be sad should Union not outdraw Cornell, considering the circumstances of this being "the greatest year in Union hockey history" (as some have put it in their thread) and the arena being a stones throw from their campus. Never have I estimated that this would happen, however, since their campus is "10x" closer to Albany than Cornell, I would in fact, label it "sad" should this not occur.

Also, being an Albany native, I'd like to add that I've waited 8 years for a local team to be in the Final Four. Now that its arrived, should Union not outdraw Cornell, I personally would be a bit disappointed.

Regardless of what happens, I am happy to see Union there because no matter what, it will attract more people to this great hockey event.

[TimU]

Re: ECAC Semifinals & Finals: Albany, NY

You're either underestimating Cornell's support or overestimating Union's. I'll go for the former, since we don't have a sample of what Union would bring to the table.

Agreed - also misunderstanding the nature of Cornell's support. Distance from their campus isn't as relevant as it would be for most other teams. The size of the Union contingent relative to Cornell's will not necessarily say anything about Union fans.

[Jasma]

Re: ECAC Semifinals & Finals: Albany, NY

Yes, and Cornell is only 10x further from Albany.

There's undoubtedly more support for Union in terms of alumni and supporters in Albany than Cornell. This, coupled with 2010 being Union's FIRST and ONLY appearance in the Final Four would, in fact, make it sad should Cornell outdraw Union. For Cornell, this is just another day, another dollar and on top of it all, as I mentioned, they have a few "distractions" this weekend.

In my opinion, this weekend will really say something about Union hockey fans, EITHER WAY.

Now, I hope they pack the house and drown out Cornell fans, because lets be honest, NOBODY wants to see them win this again!!

It's nice to see that you are so enthusiastic. I think you overestimate the crowd support Union will get, but we'll see. Union rarely exceeds 2,000 fans in their own building, with Cornell, Clarkson and RPI being the teams that usually attract those larger crowds. You will get some locals finally jumping onto the Union band wagon, but they will not outdraw Cornell.

That does not diminish the terrific job by Nate Leaman and his team. Leaman takes kids that are undrafted, and in many cases unwanted by other Division I programs, makes them better and wins against more established programs. It will be a major injustice if he is not Coach of the Year in the ECAC. Hell, he should be national COTY.

[aweise]

Re: ECAC Semifinals & Finals: Albany, NY

Yes, and Cornell is only 10x further from Albany.

There's undoubtedly more support for Union in terms of alumni and supporters in Albany than Cornell. This, coupled with 2010 being Union's FIRST and ONLY appearance in the Final Four would, in fact, make it sad should Cornell outdraw Union. For Cornell, this is just another day, another dollar and on top of it all, as I mentioned, they have a few "distractions" this weekend.

In my opinion, this weekend will really say something about Union hockey fans, EITHER WAY.

Now, I hope they pack the house and drown out Cornell fans, because lets be honest, NOBODY wants to see them win this again!!

You're either underestimating Cornell's support or overestimating Union's. I'll go for the former, since we don't have a sample of what Union would bring to the table.

Cornell will bring plenty of fans. I'd bet my house on it. They won't care that it's 3 hours away. Some will care about the b-ball team and the women's team, but they will still come in droves to Albany.

I'd like to think at least the two sections being sold to Union fans will be pretty full, based on the packed lobby at Messa after last night's game (not that it's a big lobby, mind you) and the excitement that is around the team.