2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

[Cat lover]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

Sneddon is an excellent coach and I am thrilled to have him leading the UVM program.

Now we need to get him the facility he needs to win the critical recruiting battles and solidify the rise of the program to prominence and consistency.

Why have we not heard anything about a new rink in so long? The powers that be came in and made alot of changes, some for the good(Hockey East) and some bad(Killing of the Friends of UVM hockey). But now things have settled down and we wonder if they have any more big plans coming or are they riding out thier contracts without taking risks and setting themselves up for the next big contract somewhere else?

With consistant success and last years F4 appearance the Cats really only need a new rink to fully compete with the top schools like UNH/BC/BU.

 

[UVM Cat in Texas]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

Why have we not heard anything about a new rink in so long? The powers that be came in and made alot of changes, some for the good(Hockey East) and some bad(Killing of the Friends of UVM hockey). But now things have settled down and we wonder if they have any more big plans or are they riding out thier contracts without taking risks and setting themselves up for the next big contract somewhere else?

With consistant success and last years F4 appearance the Cats really only need a new rink to fully compete with the top schools like UNH/BC/BU.

I think it's due to the economy. It's hard to drum up interest in something as extravagant as a new rink, when there are so many people just trying to survive.

I agree though, a new rink would be great and it's something that's long overdue. It's been talked about for as long as I can remember. And I don't think we'll be able to compete consistently, year in and year out, with the kind of schools you've mentioned until it happens.

 

[Cat lover]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

Congrats to Thomas for making the US hockey team. Now we can add another name to our banner!!!

Yzerman must have something against Tampa Bay players leaving both St
Louis and Lecavalier off the team.

 

[jcarter7669]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

Why have we not heard anything about a new rink in so long? The powers that be came in and made alot of changes, some for the good(Hockey East) and some bad(Killing of the Friends of UVM hockey). But now things have settled down and we wonder if they have any more big plans coming or are they riding out thier contracts without taking risks and setting themselves up for the next big contract somewhere else?

With consistant success and last years F4 appearance the Cats really only need a new rink to fully compete with the top schools like UNH/BC/BU.

Studies and planning were intiated for a new rink. And was placed on the list of new buildings to be built. However, UVM due to the stock market tumble also was in deficit mode and so no new construction was decided until things turned around. The plans are there, it will happen at some point.

And the decision relies with the Board of Trustees, not with someone under contract.

 

[4035]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

Cat lover posted

“With consistent success and last years F4 appearance the Cats really only need a new rink to fully compete with the top schools like UNH/BC/BU.”

I do not disagree that UVM would benefit from a new state of the art facility for recruiting proposes.

However, I had an interesting experience in October when I went out to the Denver University games. Their rink (Magness Arena) is really nice. It feels small - the seats feel close to the ice and there is probably not a bad seat in the house. The concessions were an entirely different world than the Gutt. Mixed drinks, carving stations for turkey and roast beef (no kidding). It seats just over 6,000 folks.

However, the place feels dead. Both DU vs. UVM games were tight and DU fans & students were into the games. But you could hear the tick – tick of the puck at the most intense moments of the games. It lacked any electricity. Just dead. Clearly they did not take acoustics into consideration.

The next weekend UVM played BC at the Gutt. The Gutt was a zoo and felt so much better than Magness Arena.

Snedden reported that he had recruits at the BC game and they all commented on how loud and fun the Gutt was.

So, my only point is be careful what we ask for. While getting a bourbon at the game was kinda nice.. I’ll take a hot dog wrapped in tin foil and a cup of mediocre coffee and a place that can be loud as hell and a heck of a lot more fun.

Prior to my DU trip I was all in favor of a new rink.. now.. I am far more up in the air on it.

 

[observer85]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

I do not disagree that UVM would benefit from a new state of the art facility for recruiting proposes.

However, I had an interesting experience in October when I went out to the Denver University games. Their rink (Magness Arena) is really nice. It feels small - the seats feel close to the ice and there is probably not a bad seat in the house. The concessions were an entirely different world than the Gutt. Mixed drinks, carving stations for turkey and roast beef (no kidding). It seats just over 6,000 folks.

However, the place feels dead. Both DU vs. UVM games were tight and DU fans & students were into the games. But you could hear the tick – tick of the puck at the most intense moments of the games. It lacked any electricity. Just dead. Clearly they did not take acoustics into consideration.

The next weekend UVM played BC at the Gutt. The Gutt was a zoo and felt so much better than Magness Arena.

Snedden reported that he had recruits at the BC game and they all commented on how loud and fun the Gutt was.

So, my only point is be careful what we ask for. While getting a bourbon at the game was kinda nice.. I’ll take a hot dog wrapped in tin foil and a cup of mediocre coffee and a place that can be loud as hell and a heck of a lot more fun.

Prior to my DU trip I was all in favor of a new rink.. now.. I am far more up in the air on it.

Agreed. Have to be careful here as the atmosphere is at risk with a new, state of the art facility. It could be a blessing or a curse.

The compromise should be should be a combination of upgrading the existing facility while keeping the aura of the Gut. Northeastern and Providence College have recently done upgrades to seats, etc. Northeastern and Merrimack did upgrades to things like locker rooms, training facilities, meeting rooms, etc. They spent money but in the case of Northeastern, did not lose the atmosphere of Matthews Arena. Matthews is like the Gut, a classic old building with character. Would hate to lose that character aspect for the players and fans alike.

 

[jcarter7669]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

Cat lover posted

“With consistent success and last years F4 appearance the Cats really only need a new rink to fully compete with the top schools like UNH/BC/BU.”

I do not disagree that UVM would benefit from a new state of the art facility for recruiting proposes.

However, I had an interesting experience in October when I went out to the Denver University games. Their rink (Magness Arena) is really nice. It feels small - the seats feel close to the ice and there is probably not a bad seat in the house. The concessions were an entirely different world than the Gutt. Mixed drinks, carving stations for turkey and roast beef (no kidding). It seats just over 6,000 folks.

However, the place feels dead. Both DU vs. UVM games were tight and DU fans & students were into the games. But you could hear the tick – tick of the puck at the most intense moments of the games. It lacked any electricity. Just dead. Clearly they did not take acoustics into consideration.

The next weekend UVM played BC at the Gutt. The Gutt was a zoo and felt so much better than Magness Arena.

Snedden reported that he had recruits at the BC game and they all commented on how loud and fun the Gutt was.

So, my only point is be careful what we ask for. While getting a bourbon at the game was kinda nice.. I’ll take a hot dog wrapped in tin foil and a cup of mediocre coffee and a place that can be loud as hell and a heck of a lot more fun.

Prior to my DU trip I was all in favor of a new rink.. now.. I am far more up in the air on it.

Not sure if that would be an arena thing or a fan thing....

UVM could use at the very least some major updates and more seating by at least another 1500.

 

[jcarter7669]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

Ouch, a 4-3 win is still a win but when you give up 3 goals on 14 shots ......

So who thinks Spillane has played his last game ??

I gotta think Madore is going to be the start from here on out.

Spillane

3 goals on 14 shots against UAH (3 GAA .786 S% )
4 goals in 13 shots against UNH ( 8 GAA 0.692 S%)
0 goals on 26 shots against Yale (0 GAA 1.000%)
6 goals on 31 shots against UMA ( 6 GAA 0.806 %)
2 goals on 32 shots against BC ( 2 GAA 0.938 %)
3 goals on 7 shots against BC (20 min) ( 9 GAA 0.517%)
Shut out at PC.

4.0 GAA and a 0.820 save Percentage?

Spillane seems to either be on and in shut out mode or horrible. And IMO its not worth the chance to see which one shows up.

 

[grantfan]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

I will say only one thing in Mike Spillane's defense. He plays behind UVM's defense. I loved #28's puckhandling in the defensive corner that led directly to UAH's second goal and I really was impressed with #2's coverage of the goalscorer on UAH's third goal. Whatever you do, dion't ask #2 to describe that goal for you. Despite being the closest player to the guy, #2 never looked, never saw and never bothered.

Spillane's play and body language on what was too close to being UAH's fourth goal is why I'd like to see him on the bench for a little while, but any goalie that plays behind this team's defense is going to be a hero or, to fans who count shots, a goat.

The defense is playing quite badly, so let's throw Mike Spillane under the bus.

 

[observer85]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

Roster is up online for game vs. Minnesota Duluth. Some surprises. Burrows out after being a +2 in yesterday's game with 2 shots. Also Anctil is in and McCarthy is out. The original all freshman line from the beginning of the season is back in place. Madore, as expected, is in net.

http://www.uvm.edu/~sportspr/mens_hockey/gamelines.pdf


Downing/Roloff/Stacey
Vock/Irwin/Milo
Nilsson-Roos/Stalberg/Pacan
Marshall/Higgins/Anctil

Cullity/Miller
Medvec/Lawson
MacKenzie/Franzon

Madore

 

[Martin St. Louis Fan]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

The defense is playing quite badly, so let's throw Mike Spillane under the bus.

I am no Spillane basher, but he was completely out of it last night.

 

[jcarter7669]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

I am no Spillane basher, but he was completely out of it last night.

He wasn't really on it against UNH either. I'm not trying to bash Spillane but he has 1 great game and then has 2-3 stinkers. Madore is playing better and hopefully that continues. But as a result of their play I have to think Madore is going to play the vast majority of games from here on out.

 

[kdaddy]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

UVM up to 9th in PWR but if Yale loses they should drop. If Yale wins probably gain a spot....and for those watching UML would be out of the tourney if the season ended today..

 

[Cat lover]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

Not that its that important but you would think they should break the top 20 now.

And yes its nice to see VT 9-12th in the comp rankings and UML 18th or lower.

 

[Martin St. Louis Fan]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

He wasn't really on it against UNH either. I'm not trying to bash Spillane but he has 1 great game and then has 2-3 stinkers. Madore is playing better and hopefully that continues. But as a result of their play I have to think Madore is going to play the vast majority of games from here on out.

I think it is like night and day. Madore is cool calm and collected, even when the heat is in the crease. Spillane, not so much.........

 

[jcarter7669]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

The cats have put up a nice little streak going 6-1-1 in their last 8.

A good win against UMD giving them a nice boost in the PWR and some momentum heading into league play.

Let's hope they keep it up and check of some league wins.

 

[grantfan]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

Aside from a mindless, careless, selfish and immature play by #2 on Duluth's second goal, the Cats played a fantastic game. They keep showing us, I think, what they can do when they play to their capabilities.

Rob Madore gave the team a strong backbone and he deserved much better than 2 goals against for what he gave the team. I do not disagree that Madore is much calmer in the net than Mike Spillane, but Spillane has played some fantastic hockey - the 1-0 shutout of Yale really was huge, and the team would be better off with two good goalies. Spillane certainly has been given a shot to show his stuff, and he showed that he can be both fantastic and not fantastic. Madore seems better able to erase defensive mistakes than Spillane and deserves a shot to run with the position right now, but the Cats will probably need Spillane again over the next four months.

Now that the 3 defenseman - 2 freshmen PP unit is a fond memory, I ask one last time, what the heck was the coach thinking? Forwards who can handle the puck seems to be the better formula for a PP unit. Justin Milo and Wahs Stacey, in and out of the lineup guys, and Matt Marshall, did a pretty good job on the second PP unit. I hope coach Sneddon sees fit to keep Milo and Stacey in the lineup.

Quite a call benching Josh Burrows and Chris McCarthy. #2 was bad defensively on UAH's go ahead goal on Saturday, then he made a distasteful defensive blunder on Duluth's second goal, but Burrows sits? I know that Burrows made an error up the ice on UAH's third goal, but sometimes the fault does lie with the guy who failed to cover the goal scorer. Yet Sneddon, in his infinite wisdom, picks Burrows to bench. And he gets rewarded with a reminder by #2 late on Sunday.

And Jay Anctil for McCarthy...I'm sorry, college hockey is not that complicated that such an obviously counter-intuitive move makes any sense. Anctil rarely plays and McCarthy has been placed by Ted Ryan on the UVM All-Decade team for the 2010s. I hope Sneddon supporters will please not say putting Anctil in the lineup specifically contributed to the win over Duluth, because if it did, why the heck isn't he in the lineup all the time?

The team played great against Duluth. I hope they play to that level very often in the second half of this season. And I just keep hoping that Sneddon will let the players play and keep his Mensa Society antics to a minimum.

Tata 3 D - 2 Freshmen PP unit.

 

[snwbrdr]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

Now that the trash posts have been at least temporarily been suspended I will make a few comments.

1. Great game by the Cats against UMD. Probably their best of the year until the last six minutes or so. Shows what they can do if they play together, smart, and move their feet. If they play like that in the 2nd half of HE play they will do fine.

2. HUGE HUGE HUGE win for the PWR last night. They went 6-1 OOC with the one loss to Denver. Hard to beat that. If they take care of business - go 11-5 in the remaining HE games they should get themselves into the NCAA tourney. Going 10-6 or 9-7 might get it done but that is getting kind of dicey depending on who they beat and who they lose to and how other teams fare.

3. A HE home ice playoff series would be nice - but it won't be easy. BU is going to get it going and they have BC, UNH, UMASS, UML all ahead of them. They have a lot of work to do. But if they play like they did against UMD they can get it done.

4. Spillane's body language (and confidence) was a mess against UAH. That last minute puck bobble was a debacle. UAH should have tied it. Yeah, UVM played badly in the 2nd period of that game, and UAH had some good chances, but at some point you have to make some saves. I still don't think madore is where he was last year in the 2nd half, but he's better than Spillane who is not playing to his ability level right now.

5. Hard to imagine McCarthy sitting Sunday for anything other than an injury (did not hear the pre-game and why McCarthy was out - please advise if anyone knows). This freshman class is looking better all the time.

6. New arena. They need it. The low noise level at DU is about the fans - not the arena. The arena itself does not make noise - the fans in it do. Put more people in the arena, give them some beer (please) and something to chear about (a good team) and we'll have plenty of noise. The better the team the more noise.

7. Sneddon is doing a great job with the tools he has. Give him a new, somewhat larger arena to work with and things will get even better. And the round ball team would benefit even more. Their high school arena is even worse than the Gutt......

8. Bummer about the 11 day layoff. hopefully they bring the A game on the 15th and 16th. Go Cats.

 

[grantfan]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

When asked specifically about replacing McCarthy with Anctil, Sneddon explained that he made the change to, and then he paused a very pregnant pause, put a little "experience" in the lineup.

 

[Cat lover]

Re: 2009-2010 Official Vermont Season Thread

When asked specifically about replacing McCarthy with Anctil, Sneddon explained that he made the change to, and then he paused a very pregnant pause, put a little "experience" in the lineup.

I think it might be that he wanted to let McCarthy know that if he doesn't play hard at both ends he wont play at all.

Even thou he has a couple of PP goals lately I still dont like Irwin on the point. His one-timers are either in the net or shanked, and the passing at the points needs to be quicker especailly to the wing (Milo or Roloff) who seem to have to wait for the puck to long and miss the good shooting lane.