Thought we had the better of the play for good portions of the game last night. Difference was the age-old problem that continually plagues UVM teams--BC was able to put the puck in the net and we weren't. Plus, BC getting a couple of soft goals didn't help the cause at all. Looks like just another loss when you see the 5-1 score. Hopefully, we can play the same way tonight only finish off some of those opportunities.
I have to hand it to the staff and players. They played hard right to the final buzzer.
Yeah, I agree, we were a pain in the butt, and played pretty well both nights. There's an interesting article in today's Free Press about the decline of UVM hockey the last several seasons. Glad to hear Sneddon admit we've gotten away from the gritty, blue-collar, team-first kind of hockey that worked so well for us in the past. I saw us getting back to that late in the season with good results. That has to be our mentality from the get-go next season. Was also pleased to see the need for a new arena mentioned in the article. It's been so long since I've heard anything about it. Was hoping it hadn't fallen off the radar screen.absolutely, you guys were a pain in the butt in both games from start to finish with nothing to play for. Kudos to Sneddon and the players for giving it their all and best of luck next year, you have some good pieces in place
Here is Ted's fantastic 4 page article!!! Very well written! A must read for all UVM Hockey fans!
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/...-behind-UVM-hockey-team-s-decline?odyssey=tab
Yeah, I agree, we were a pain in the butt, and played pretty well both nights. There's an interesting article in today's Free Press about the decline of UVM hockey the last several seasons. Glad to hear Sneddon admit we've gotten away from the gritty, blue-collar, team-first kind of hockey that worked so well for us in the past. I saw us getting back to that late in the season with good results. That has to be our mentality from the get-go next season. Was also pleased to see the need for a new arena mentioned in the article. It's been so long since I've heard anything about it. Was hoping it hadn't fallen off the radar screen.
I read the article. I would have liked to hear more from Sneddon about matching his coaching style to the players he has rather than forcing them into patterns that he coaches best. Just a thought while reading.
Hmmm, overall, I'd have to say I disagree with this. To me, the entire first part of this season was about trying to open it up and play fancy, skilled hockey like BC and UNH teams of past. Except for the 2nd game against Minnesota, look where it got us. I'd prefer to play a team-first kind of game--tight defense, blocked shots, and opportunistic scoring. That's what took us to the FF a few years ago, and that's the kind of game Lowell is playing this season. They're tied for 2nd in Pairwise--not too shabby.I agree. I also think pro and college hockey have moved to a finesse game. Look at all the top teams. Not finishing? I recall watching the team early in the year with players trying so hard to check and hit that they were taking themselves out of plays or falling down, or getting penalties. All the top teams are fast and skilled and MAKE PASSES. BC is tape to tape and they gain control in the offensive end. UVM is a rush in the zone with maybe 1 pass if we are lucky and a bad weak shot if we don't lose control. Now comparing to BC is tough and they have a great defense and UVM is beaten up but this was pretty consistent style all year. I am not saying you don't play hard and make big hits and block shots when necessary but the 1980s-1990s NJ devils style of hockey is gone much to the benefit of the sport.
I do think with injured players coming back and the new talent we will be able to play a more skilled game. I hope anyways.
I hope you guys pull that off somehow. The days of the 'old barn' are dwindling. Aside from the drive up, I really love visiting you guys to watch a game because the downtown is great, there are good hotels and restaurants right off the highway, etc. Having to take two hours to thaw my feet after leaving the arena is the only downside of that (not to mention the narrow concourses where you guys also sell stuff).Was also pleased to see the need for a new arena mentioned in the article. It's been so long since I've heard anything about it. Was hoping it hadn't fallen off the radar screen.
Hmmm, overall, I'd have to say I disagree with this. To me, the entire first part of this season was about trying to open it up and play fancy, skilled hockey like BC and UNH teams of past. Except for the 2nd game against Minnesota, look where it got us. I'd prefer to play a team-first kind of game--tight defense, blocked shots, and opportunistic scoring. That's what took us to the FF a few years ago, and that's the kind of game Lowell is playing this season. They're tied for 2nd in Pairwise--not too shabby.
A few thoughts on last night's telecast. Anyone notice how the announcers continually called Markison "Markinson" with an "n"? Then when they were talking about Dan Lawson's goal against Air Force to send us to the FF, they kept referring to him as "Larson."
Also, at one point, when talking about Connor Brickley, they said something like he was a "wrecking ball of skill." I don't know how y'all feel, but next year I'd like to see some of that skill translate to points. I know he was out for a good part of the season this year, and when he did play he looked much better than his freshman season but, overall, I'd have to say he's been somewhat of a disappointment.
I disagree completely. There are the Big 4 in Hockey East, but only two are in Boston so that invalidates the 'Boston Stage' right there. In terms of parity, ignoring the 'Boston Stage' part, yes, you have the Big 4 but the 'toughest league top to bottom' still has a lot of validity to it. The last two years with UML and UVM having pitiful performances, it was more 'toughest league 1st to 9th' but UVM has had reasonable success in the last several years and likely will again in next several years. UML's reversal of fortunes has far exceeded anyone's expectations, of course, and we'll see what happens next year but I've seen other stuff (Merrimack anyone) in the last several years that indicate that the stranglehold of the Big 4 is slipping and more parity is coming in.A subject worth discussion is parity in HE. Is UVM(and some others as well) always relegated to being a bit player on the Boston stage? Its my supposition that the Boston media exposure is a big draw for hockey recruiting that HE teams "off the grid" cannot compete with. All other factors, education,coaching,etc are basically equivalent.This not to say that this attraction analytically translates to wins and losses, but it has its effect over the long haul.
I'd like to hear others opinions as it is just an opinion.
Here is Ted's fantastic 4 page article!!! Very well written! A must read for all UVM Hockey fans!
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/...-behind-UVM-hockey-team-s-decline?odyssey=tab
I agree with this 100%, not just for this season, but probably for as long as I've been following UVM hockey. The closest we've got to finishers right now are Stalberg and Reynolds. Here's hoping McCarthy, Girgensons, Markison, Brickley, and Lenz can join them soon.Number one problem I saw this season was finishing. If we get finishers, we have to open it up and let them use their finishing skills.
Yeah, that's a good point. I have thought of that (not so much in regard to Union specifically), and yes, it does leave me scratching my head. I think next year will be a big test for Sneddon.There must be some serious head scratching going on in Burlington. Ted's "fantastic 4 page article" includes the usual scapegoats. What it does not include is a comparison to Union and its sucess with just a fraction of UVM's resources. Union's "WOW' factor is an intangible that has distinguished the program since Sneddon's departure.
Hmmm, overall, I'd have to say I disagree with this. To me, the entire first part of this season was about trying to open it up and play fancy, skilled hockey like BC and UNH teams of past. Except for the 2nd game against Minnesota, look where it got us. I'd prefer to play a team-first kind of game--tight defense, blocked shots, and opportunistic scoring. That's what took us to the FF a few years ago, and that's the kind of game Lowell is playing this season. They're tied for 2nd in Pairwise--not too shabby.
