Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic City!

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Shouldn't that apply to RPI, also?

We've won as many ECAC championships as you guys have playoff series. Plus, our meltdown typically starts a little earlier.

[Hockeystud89]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

This could be a good thing for Union if you fans want to think positive. If you look at years in the past from the conference tournaments, many teams don't make it to the championship game of their conference tournament or even the semifinals but still fair well in the NCAA tournament. Some examples Miami from 2009, lost to Northern Michigan in the quarterfinals of the CCHA tourny, but they went to the National Championship game that year. Notre Dame won the CCHA tournament that year and lost in the first round, Michigan was also in the championship game against Notre Dame and lost in the first round of the NCAA as well. Now lets go to the Hockey East, Vermont lost in the Quarterfinals but still went to the frozen four. Also in 2009 3 number one seeds in the big tourny all lost.

Now lets look at 2010, New Hampshire did the same thing as Union they lost to the last seeded team in quarterfinals. We all know Yale did the same thing last year and went on to beat ND and almost beat BC. The point im trying to get at with this whole rant is that I feel like it could be better for Union to lose a game before the tournament. Yes they aren't playing a week before the tournament but still they have time to practice and get better. They haven't lost in 11 games coming into the series. Sometimes its a better thing to lose and watch that other team celebrate because we all know that is what drives people. They want to work just as hard to win that first game now.

Maybe you disagree with me I don't know but i think this series loss could benefit this team.

[SlyFoxMan7]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Union can definitely salvage the season with even just one win in the tournament. With 2+ wins nobody will ever think about the Colgate loss again. Lose in the first round and it's a terrible end to a previously great season. Also I'm kind of glad the tournament was moved to Atlantic City now. I'd be very upset if they missed out playing in the TU center yet again.

This could be a good thing for Union if you fans want to think positive. If you look at years in the past from the conference tournaments, many teams don't make it to the championship game of their conference tournament or even the semifinals but still fair well in the NCAA tournament. Some examples Miami from 2009, lost to Northern Michigan in the quarterfinals of the CCHA tourny, but they went to the National Championship game that year. Notre Dame won the CCHA tournament that year and lost in the first round, Michigan was also in the championship game against Notre Dame and lost in the first round of the NCAA as well. Now lets go to the Hockey East, Vermont lost in the Quarterfinals but still went to the frozen four. Also in 2009 3 number one seeds in the big tourny all lost.

Now lets look at 2010, New Hampshire did the same thing as Union they lost to the last seeded team in quarterfinals. We all know Yale did the same thing last year and went on to beat ND and almost beat BC. The point im trying to get at with this whole rant is that I feel like it could be better for Union to lose a game before the tournament. Yes they aren't playing a week before the tournament but still they have time to practice and get better. They haven't lost in 11 games coming into the series. Sometimes its a better thing to lose and watch that other team celebrate because we all know that is what drives people. They want to work just as hard to win that first game now.

Maybe you disagree with me I don't know but i think this series loss could benefit this team.

[CollegeHCKYfan2323]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Apparently, they DID call the game the same way the whole night.

Good point

[Wholin1]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Maybe you disagree with me I don't know but i think this series loss could benefit this team.

Stud, what you say seems to make sense. One thing I am concerned about though is that Union just came off a two week layoff, played 3 games, and now is looking at another two weeks off. I don't know for sure, but playing 3 games in a month leading up to the NCAAs could be a drawback. Either way, I'll be elated once their getting in is confirmed. Well at least I saved a trip to the pit called Atlantic City .

[ADK11]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Not to be Mr. Wet Blanket, but I'm less optimistic about U's chances in the NCAAs. First, the losses this weekend mean U will most likely be a #3 seed at best, which will probably result in a game out west against a top 3 team from the W or the CCHA. If U had won this weekend and at least split in AC, they would have been looking at a #2 and a better chance to stay east and play a slightly easier opponent. Second and maybe more importantly, the question has to be asked if U has what it takes to win these kind of games. Let's face it, like it or not (and this weekend I definitely did not) this time of year the ice is often soft, the opponents physical, and the games not called tightly. While some players on U played very well and rose to the occasion, others seemed to wilt under this pressure and got tentative as the going got tough. I do think this team has it in them to play at a very high level and they've shown mental & physical toughness in the past, but it could be tough to pull all that together in two idle weeks and then play a single one-and-done game far from home. One positive that could come from this is that now the pressure is off U a bit to live up to being a Top 5-6 team that theoretically should be favored and the boys will come in with a looser attitude. It will be exciting (hopefully) to go to the dance and another great experience for the program regardless of the result.

[Wholin1]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Notto be Mr. Wet Blanket, but I'm less optimistic about U's chances in the NCAAs. First, the losses this weekend mean U will most likely be a #3 seed at best, which will probably result in a game out west against a top 3 team from the W or the CCHA. If U had won this weekend and at least split in AC, they would have been looking at a #2 and a better chance to stay east and play a slightly easier opponent. Second and maybe more importantly, the question has to be asked if U has what it takes to win these kind of games. Let's face it, like it or not (and this weekend I definitely did not) this time of year the ice is often soft, the opponents physical, and the games not called tightly. While some players on U played very well and rose to the occasion, others seemed to wilt under this pressure and got tentative as the going got tough. I do think this team has it in them to play at a very high level and they've shown mental & physical toughness in the past, but it could be tough to pull all that together in two idle weeks and then play a single one-and-done game far from home. One positive that could come from this is that now the pressure is off U a bit to live up to being a Top 5-6 team that theoretically should be favored and the boys will come in with a looser attitude. It will be exciting (hopefully) to go to the dance and another great experience for the program regardless of the result.

I don't necessarily take issue with you, ADK. Union has a lot to prove on the national stage where with the exception of an occasion OOC game, they have yet to perform. Their short term ranking in the top 3 or 4, with all due respect, was never realistic in my view, though it was nice for the fans to take note of, and I think their current 9, 10 or even slightly lower ranking is more realistic. I think the biggest positive you point to is that they may well have that nothing to lose attitude that Colgate obviously adopted the past two weeks, and that they will then have a better chance to compete and perhaps somewhat alleviate the raw nerves that may have been exposed. I see a few standout teams in the tournament and a lot of parity after that, so maybe they can pull off the upset if the stars align correctly.

They have to start somewhere and at last they should be having a chance. BTW, I still maintain that Kinkaid will be their most important player on the ice and he will have to bring not just his "A" game but his Magna Cum Laude A game.

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Notto be Mr. Wet Blanket, but I'm less optimistic about U's chances in the NCAAs. First, the losses this weekend mean U will most likely be a #3 seed at best, which will probably result in a game out west against a top 3 team from the W or the CCHA. If U had won this weekend and at least split in AC, they would have been looking at a #2 and a better chance to stay east and play a slightly easier opponent. Second and maybe more importantly, the question has to be asked if U has what it takes to win these kind of games. Let's face it, like it or not (and this weekend I definitely did not) this time of year the ice is often soft, the opponents physical, and the games not called tightly. While some players on U played very well and rose to the occasion, others seemed to wilt under this pressure and got tentative as the going got tough. I do think this team has it in them to play at a very high level and they've shown mental & physical toughness in the past, but it could be tough to pull all that together in two idle weeks and then play a single one-and-done game far from home. One positive that could come from this is that now the pressure is off U a bit to live up to being a Top 5-6 team that theoretically should be favored and the boys will come in with a looser attitude. It will be exciting (hopefully) to go to the dance and another great experience for the program regardless of the result.

My best advice would be to play with the PairWise Predictor and see what you come up with. Obviously we've been playing with it all week trying to figure out our chances for making the tournament; you could see how high you can get. Plus, I hope you aren't concerned about embarrassing yourselves on a national stage. If you've made it that far, that's already enough of an honor

[rdf8585]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

If anyone is going to Bombers tonight, prizes include a Leaman signed puck and a Leaman signed team photo.

http://www.unionathletics.com/news/2...106111618.aspx

[OsecnUC]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Stud, what you say seems to make sense

that just sounds wrong coming from Wholin

[Wholin1]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

that just sounds wrong coming from Wholin

Ouch! I need to watch the nuance. So anyway, I've been thinking...hold the laugh track...but what is a bigger deal from Union's perspective at least.

1. Winning the Cleary Cup;
2. Winning ECAC Championship;
3. Playing (not necessarily winning game) in the NCAA's?

Maybe circumstance is dictating this, but vote for no. 3. Any other thoughts.

[UnionHockeyManiac]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Ouch! I need to watch the nuance. So anyway, I've been thinking...hold the laugh track...but what is a bigger deal from Union's perspective at least.

1. Winning the Cleary Cup;
2. Winning ECAC Championship;
3. Playing (not necessarily winning game) in the NCAA's?

Maybe circumstance is dictating this, but vote for no. 3. Any other thoughts.

Definitely #3. The ultimate goal is to win the National Championship. #2 gets us in the the National Tournament no matter what so that matters as well. My whole point is that winning the national tourney should always be and will always be the ultimate goal.

[Wholin1]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Coach on the radio sounded really upbeat today. He said he spoke with the League about the cross check on Wayne Simpson that led to the OT winner and if I heard him correctly I think the powers that be acknowledged the blown call. Of course he pointed out that we put ourselves in that critical position to begin with and that's basically it.

He acknowledged that the team got tight against Colgate and probably was feeling the pressure of the No. 1 seed. That led to too many penalties and was obviously uncharacteristic of the way U plays when they're going well. He said it was similar to what happened in the ECAC finals last year vs. Cornell when they were also tight and took a lot of penalties. He said the coaches will obviously have the team's attention in prepping for the NCAAs and he expects to deal with that issue. He has also been analyzing the Pair Wise a bit and sees us as high as 6 but not lower than 11. The big thing in his view would be to get into a regional with the lowest seeded no. 1 team possible, but other than that he doesn't see much difference if we're a 2 or a 3. Apparently they will be doing another show on Sunday during the NCAA selection broadcast. I didn't catch the details on that but I'm sure they will be announced shortly

[rdf8585]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

Coach on the radio sounded really upbeat today. He said he spoke with the League about the cross check on Wayne Simpson that led to the OT winner and if I heard him correctly I think the powers that be acknowledged the blown call. Of course he pointed out that we put ourselves in that critical position to begin with and that's basically it.

He acknowledged that the team got tight against Colgate and probably was feeling the pressure of the No. 1 seed. That led to too many penalties and was obviously uncharacteristic of the way U plays when they're going well. He said it was similar to what happened in the ECAC finals last year vs. Cornell when they were also tight and took a lot of penalties. He said the coaches will obviously have the team's attention in prepping for the NCAAs and he expects to deal with that issue. He has also been analyzing the Pair Wise a bit and sees us as high as 6 but not lower than 11. The big thing in his view would be to get into a regional with the lowest seeded no. 1 team possible, but other than that he doesn't see much difference if we're a 2 or a 3. Apparently they will be doing another show on Sunday during the NCAA selection broadcast. I didn't catch the details on that but I'm sure they will be announced shortly

Thanks for that recap. A lot of good info, but I wonder what they might have in store on Sunday.

At least the league seemed to admit Union was royally screwed at the end with Simpson being knocked to the ice.

[Wholin1]

Re: Union College Dutchmen Hockey 2010-11: There's one way and that's to Atlantic Cit

At least the league seemed to admit Union was royally screwed at the end with Simpson being knocked to the ice.

I can't say with 100% certainty that is what Nate said but I think that was the gyst. As unfortunate as it may have been, the refs are going to screw up a lot of (non)calls, but you need to try to avoid situations where they cost you the game, so the finger really needs to be pointed at us for reaching that tipping point in the first place. But yes, it still hurts.