Andrew J Carter
New member
Re: 2016-2017 WCHA Season Thread
QUOTE=purpleinnebraska;6453362]The non-conference numbers defy this. If someone like BSU really had high quality defense and goaltending, it would show up in non-conference wins and shutouts. Instead, they went 0-7-1, and while only giving up 1.57 goal/game in WCHA play, they gave up 3 a game (24 in 8) in non-conference. I'm not saying they don't have quality goaltending and defense, but let's not kid ourselves, it's not THAT good. The rest of the league is similar: Only Ferris (2.3), Tech (2.7), and Kato (2.8) held non-conference foes to under 3 goals a game. Where were the quality defenders and goaltenders in the nonconference games?
As you note, where this really becomes an issue is recruiting. Try to sell a high level recruit with, "Hey, you should come play in a conference where nobody scores, and the style of play -while frustrating and physically taxing- won't prepare you for anything at any other level. You ready to sign up?"[/QUOTE]
Yes, the WCHA is down this year, but to choose BSU this year alone to prove your point lacks depth and longevity. Yes, this year BSU had a lousy 0-7-1 (3-3 W versus Duluth) non conference record with losses to North Dakota, Minnesota, Duluth, SCSU, and gulp (Princeton). Historically, BSU plays as difficult non-conference schedule as anyone in the country. Even last year, with a decent 17-16-6 team (11-12-5 WCHA), BSU swept #3 Duluth, beat the Gophers, tied #1 North Dakota and split with SCSU. A year before that in Bitzer's first college game, beat #2 North Dakota 5-1 on the road. The Beavers with Coach Serratore have been playing their way for many years including their Frozen Four run. Your point may still be well-taken, but the BSU example is not accurate over time.
QUOTE=purpleinnebraska;6453362]The non-conference numbers defy this. If someone like BSU really had high quality defense and goaltending, it would show up in non-conference wins and shutouts. Instead, they went 0-7-1, and while only giving up 1.57 goal/game in WCHA play, they gave up 3 a game (24 in 8) in non-conference. I'm not saying they don't have quality goaltending and defense, but let's not kid ourselves, it's not THAT good. The rest of the league is similar: Only Ferris (2.3), Tech (2.7), and Kato (2.8) held non-conference foes to under 3 goals a game. Where were the quality defenders and goaltenders in the nonconference games?
As you note, where this really becomes an issue is recruiting. Try to sell a high level recruit with, "Hey, you should come play in a conference where nobody scores, and the style of play -while frustrating and physically taxing- won't prepare you for anything at any other level. You ready to sign up?"[/QUOTE]
Yes, the WCHA is down this year, but to choose BSU this year alone to prove your point lacks depth and longevity. Yes, this year BSU had a lousy 0-7-1 (3-3 W versus Duluth) non conference record with losses to North Dakota, Minnesota, Duluth, SCSU, and gulp (Princeton). Historically, BSU plays as difficult non-conference schedule as anyone in the country. Even last year, with a decent 17-16-6 team (11-12-5 WCHA), BSU swept #3 Duluth, beat the Gophers, tied #1 North Dakota and split with SCSU. A year before that in Bitzer's first college game, beat #2 North Dakota 5-1 on the road. The Beavers with Coach Serratore have been playing their way for many years including their Frozen Four run. Your point may still be well-taken, but the BSU example is not accurate over time.
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