Norwich Hockey - Time to Regroup

The team works hard. Not a question. But they are incredibly slow other than a couple of guys. They get beat to pucks all over the ice. This is the poor recruiting we've been talking about for years. And yes I get it about the finances and all that but it doesn't change the truth on the ice. Slow slow slow.

I agree with Flint about the crowds. Last night was embarrassing. Where the heck is everybody?

***JCB*** said:

The team works hard. Not a question. But they are incredibly slow other than a couple of guys. They get beat to pucks all over the ice. This is the poor recruiting we've been talking about for years. And yes I get it about the finances and all that but it doesn't change the truth on the ice. Slow slow slow.

I agree with Flint about the crowds. Last night was embarrassing. Where the heck is everybody?

Click to expand...

I think you'll see the overall team speed gradually increase as Dawes brings in more guys for "his style" of play. D'Ancona and Benjamin are two freshmen who move well, and Fancy can be quick when he really wants to - especially for a bigger kid.

Not only are the crowds sparse; they're dead. The folks who were there last night should have been making the biggest roar possible down the stretch of that game - and into overtime - but it was a church. Don't make me start painting my chest and running laps around the place to get some juice....I'm waaaaaaay too old for that.

People love to complain about the performance when it isn't good, but if you think a loud barn doesn't help a team play well, you're crazy. Hell, Ben Barr at UMaine consistently talks about one of their main selling points in recruiting is the boisterous crowds in Alfond Arena. I talked with Mattson last night, and they had recruits at the game. We have to show these kids a great environment when they're visiting!

Flint, when able, your views on yesterday’s game would be appreciated.

KrbFlint said:

Not only are the crowds sparse; they're dead. The folks who were there last night should have been making the biggest roar possible down the stretch of that game - and into overtime - but it was a.church.

Click to expand...

Much more noise yesterday. The diff between Tuesday and yesterday was noticeable. One factor, not mentioned, was Tuesday’s game was kind of boring for stretches, by both teams. Overtime was the opposite.
Stahlbaum, D’Ancona and Elliot are all playing very well now ( even when hanging out at near the goal, Elliot occupies a lot of attention). The rest off the team has gotten used to a more fast paced offensive game, and improving week to week. Power play is working, PK could use some work.
Team is trending in the right direction. If the administration can get things back on track, recruiting gets much better.
( how things were allowed to get so bad makes me wonder what the trustees were doing).

Bog Hockey said:

Flint, when able, your views on yesterday’s game would be appreciated.

Click to expand...

I agree with just about everything Jerry said. I would add Benjamin; at some point I feel like he's really going to break out. I've been high on Stahlbaum from day one so I'm glad he has been proving me right! I am concerned about one thing. While there is no question that Norwich is far more aggressive this year offensively, I do feel like it's leading to a lot of chances the other way. I am appreciative of the more aggressive style of play, but I'm hoping they can clamp down a little bit more defensively down the stretch when the games become more important.

Back to yesterday, I was pleased to see the Cadets not get sucked into Castleton's BS. Too many times this year they've gotten sucked into retaliatory penalties, negating a PP opportunity (although they've looked pretty good 4v4!). Also, Castleton is the zebra that never changes it's stripes same old crap with them. Through coaching changes, it persists so it's gotta be just ingrained in the culture there.

IMO, Sami was pretty shaky to start but eventually settled in. It seems to me he's also gotten a lot more aggressive coming out to handle the puck (in general, not specific to yesterday) and has me holding my breath often.

Finally, I mentioned that I've been really impressed with Schubert's improvement, so I was thrilled to see him get one yesterday. I believe his only previous career goal was an ENG so kudos to him for being rewarded with a legit score yesterday, Hard-working kid who stuck with it and kept working.

With the students returning to campus this week, I hope to see a packed rink this weekend!

Good crowd tonight. Student section was jammed, primarily with football and men’s lacrosse players. They were loud and energetic. Almost resembled the old days.

What about the team’s play, Flint? Lots of shots, again, but…

Bog Hockey said:

What about the team’s play, Flint? Lots of shots, again, but…

Click to expand...

Hit two crossbars that I saw for sure. Keene State goalie played well, especially early. Norwich clearly the better team.

Again, I think we’re still a recruiting class away for Dawes to get the guys he wants for his style of play. D’Ancona, Benjamin, and Stahlbaum continue to be, in my opinion, the most offensively skilled guys on the ice. They’re all first year (in the program) guys.

Every win is a good win.

Flint, I’m very curious about WCT’s two goals on just 12 shots on net. NU put some goals up, but what’s your overall assessment of the Cadet’s play against this struggling team? Thanks.

Outplayed them from start, but made two mistakes, and both resulted in goals.
Good to see improved shot selection and placement.
In the third, the difference in conditioning was apparent.
The PK was better (although it was a lesser skilled team), and killing off the 5 on 3 was well done.
The Wolves are a team of all freshmen and sophomores, work hard, decently sized. In another year, they will not be a team to take lightly. One more year, and they will be near the top of the standings I think.

Strong showing by first line, also Ophoven, van Waterschoot, and Cordeiro.
Aldo the 19th skater, Larsen, did well playing forward early in the game, and at D later.
Tuesday night will be a much better barometer.