I'm happy Thomas did what he did. It needed to be done and he made a point. And not everyone that went to UVM in that era is brainwashed liberal (although many are)
We suck this year for the following reasons:
1. We are VERY VERY young (look at UML last year versus this year).
2. Our young D did not adjust well. Below expectations.
3. We lost our best playmaker early - McCarthy.
4. Goaltending has ranged between horrible and average, with most of it being closer to horrible than average. Addition by subtraction next year.
The positive:
Markinson is going to be a monster if he continues to improve his finish. The kid can fly.
Reynolds has a lot of potential and should continue to develop. he has some finish to him.
Montagna shows positive signs.
For 12/13 - we need Stalburg to stay, Brickley to stay, McCarthy back as planned from injury, Fallon to be a TEAM player and not a distraction AND be more of a skilled addition than B. Bruneteau has been this year, the new goalie recruit to be an average HE goalie (which is an upgrade from Madore 2011.2012), and Girgensons to show up. If that all happens and you combine it with Markinson, Reynolds and Montagna we have a viable team that can compete for mid pack or better finish.
I think all that happens except possibly Girgensons. He is the biggest risk, followed by Fallon being a big addition to the team and not a distraction.
It's too bad that McCarthy, Brickley and Lukkoo are each losing the better part of a season or a half a season each of development. McCarthy was going to be a .75/point per game player and would have helped Stalburg be better. Brickley was coming on very strong before being injured.
Next year I'm hoping to see Girgensons play with Brickley and Markinson and McCarthy with Stalburg and Reynolds. Those are both nearly as good as any lines in HE I believe. There is a big drop off from there but next year our fourth line should be as good as our 3rd this year and our 3rd line as good as our second this year. The question is at D. I have no idea what to expect. Could be some high scoring games.
I'm also looking forward to seeing Deluca play with Markinson and Reynolds in 13/14 and 14/15.
THIS WEATHER SUCKS. WE NEED SOME SNOW