uwbadgers14
Registered User
Either D1 hockey is slipping a tad or the level of talented canadian university teams is going up, they seem to be winning more of these games and more and more being competitive every year. anybody have any thoughts???
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Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
- Thread starter uwbadgers14
- Start date
Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
D-I coaches are hesitant to treat these games as anything more than skate-throughs. Staying healthy, rather than winning, seems to be the main concern. I've seen my fair share of these games get out of hand when either the D-I school plays hard and "runs up the score," or the Canadian team does not take kindly to the game being closely officiated to avoid injuries and chippy play.
To make some sort of statement about Canadian exhibitions showing D-I schools have lost a step is way off point.
D-I coaches are hesitant to treat these games as anything more than skate-throughs. Staying healthy, rather than winning, seems to be the main concern. I've seen my fair share of these games get out of hand when either the D-I school plays hard and "runs up the score," or the Canadian team does not take kindly to the game being closely officiated to avoid injuries and chippy play.
To make some sort of statement about Canadian exhibitions showing D-I schools have lost a step is way off point.
uwbadgers14
Registered User
Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
noted... my point was i think there are some very good canadian univerisity programs that could compete with D1 hockey...
noted... my point was i think there are some very good canadian univerisity programs that could compete with D1 hockey...
Puck Swami
New member
Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
It all depends on how seriously the US team decides to play it. For example, when they use these games to try out all three goalies, weird things can happen. Certainly, Denver would have walked to a much easier margins of victory in the last two years vs Canadian teams if they only played one or two goalies.
That said, these Canadian teams have been playing together a week or two longer and have more experienced players that have been through the major junior wars. They check well, and while they may not have the high end speed and skills, they can certainly play the game.
It all depends on how seriously the US team decides to play it. For example, when they use these games to try out all three goalies, weird things can happen. Certainly, Denver would have walked to a much easier margins of victory in the last two years vs Canadian teams if they only played one or two goalies.
That said, these Canadian teams have been playing together a week or two longer and have more experienced players that have been through the major junior wars. They check well, and while they may not have the high end speed and skills, they can certainly play the game.
Ralph Baer
Let's Go 'Tute!
Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
They are using a lot of players who would be ineligible, due to major junior experience, in the NCAA.
Edit: See Swami's post.
They are using a lot of players who would be ineligible, due to major junior experience, in the NCAA.
Edit: See Swami's post.
Puck Swami
New member
Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
I agree.
The best of them (UNB, Alberta, etc.) could probably compete for an NCAA berth (probably in the 12-16 PWR range) over the course of a season.
I agree.
The best of them (UNB, Alberta, etc.) could probably compete for an NCAA berth (probably in the 12-16 PWR range) over the course of a season.
owslachief
occupe toi de tes oignons
Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
Pretty respectable weekend so far
Pretty respectable weekend so far
tic tac toe
Registered User
Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
In 08-09, Ohio St. pounded York 9-3 in an early exhibition game. Sunday the Buckeyes fail to Western Ontario 3-2 in OT. Western did make to the CIS national championship game last season, plus they had one player with an 84 DOB. They had a couple of speedy little wingers that could have stayed in Columbus.
In 08-09, Ohio St. pounded York 9-3 in an early exhibition game. Sunday the Buckeyes fail to Western Ontario 3-2 in OT. Western did make to the CIS national championship game last season, plus they had one player with an 84 DOB. They had a couple of speedy little wingers that could have stayed in Columbus.
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Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
Additionally, as far as I know, Canadian universities start their season and practices earlier than the NCAA. I know that the day Boston University and Northeastern University had their games against the canadians, it was also their first official day of practice.
Additionally, as far as I know, Canadian universities start their season and practices earlier than the NCAA. I know that the day Boston University and Northeastern University had their games against the canadians, it was also their first official day of practice.
Ralph Baer
Let's Go 'Tute!
Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
Saturday was the official day of practice for all NCAA teams. (I have a vague recollection that the Alaska schools can start earlier. Can anyone confirm, or am I wrong?)
Saturday was the official day of practice for all NCAA teams. (I have a vague recollection that the Alaska schools can start earlier. Can anyone confirm, or am I wrong?)
tic tac toe
Registered User
Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
Western Ontario won their first game 28 Sep.
Western Ontario won their first game 28 Sep.
terrierhockey
New member
Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
i grew up in anchorage, and from what i remember, i think it may have to do with the fact that, most years, both ak schools have longer winter breaks than most programs (month+), thus needing more practice days spread over the course of a season. unless they're playing in holiday tourneys, of course. it's probably adjusted season to season. i remember one year they started literally a week and a half after classes started - quite far back though.
i grew up in anchorage, and from what i remember, i think it may have to do with the fact that, most years, both ak schools have longer winter breaks than most programs (month+), thus needing more practice days spread over the course of a season. unless they're playing in holiday tourneys, of course. it's probably adjusted season to season. i remember one year they started literally a week and a half after classes started - quite far back though.
Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
Canadian University somewhat resembles the NCAA in that there are strong and weak conferences. Teams from the west and east can often compete against most D-1 programs while teams from Ontario are generally weaker and tend to lose by a large margin even against mediocre competition. Western Ontario, being the exception, as they ice a team made up of mainly ex Major Junior players.
Canadian University somewhat resembles the NCAA in that there are strong and weak conferences. Teams from the west and east can often compete against most D-1 programs while teams from Ontario are generally weaker and tend to lose by a large margin even against mediocre competition. Western Ontario, being the exception, as they ice a team made up of mainly ex Major Junior players.
Jimjamesak
Already insane, UAA making it worse
Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
On topic, UAA beat SAIT 9-0 last Friday.
Yeah the Alaska schools started practices on September 21st.
On topic, UAA beat SAIT 9-0 last Friday.
William Blake
Registered User
Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
Am I missing something? I only see 5 wins out of all those Canadian games, and none against a team that I'd expect to do much (though I haven't been paying too close attention yet). Maybe New Brunswick is decent and lower tier CCHA (OSU and Ferris State) and HE (Mass and Vermont) teams aren't very good. Overall, it still looks like most Canadian teams get crushed by NCAA teams that have nothing to play for and are still just warming up.
5-27-2 (I'm assuming all those teams played Canadian opponents, except the US U-18 team of course
) doesn't seem like a particularly good record, though I guess it could still be a huge improvement over last year.
Am I missing something? I only see 5 wins out of all those Canadian games, and none against a team that I'd expect to do much (though I haven't been paying too close attention yet). Maybe New Brunswick is decent and lower tier CCHA (OSU and Ferris State) and HE (Mass and Vermont) teams aren't very good. Overall, it still looks like most Canadian teams get crushed by NCAA teams that have nothing to play for and are still just warming up.
5-27-2 (I'm assuming all those teams played Canadian opponents, except the US U-18 team of course
) doesn't seem like a particularly good record, though I guess it could still be a huge improvement over last year.
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Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
Well Xavier's tie at BU makes them look good, but when you see that they only scored on BU's 3rd stringer who was on the ice for the first time since February 08, and Xavier's goalie - while he played great - would be a ridiculously ineligible NCAA player as he played 5 years of major junior (3 as a starter) and one season in the ECHL. Nonetheless, BU's offense was sloppy and Xavier deserves credit for hustling all night and scrapping out a tie.
Am I missing something? I only see 5 wins out of all those Canadian games, and none against a team that I'd expect to do much (though I haven't been paying too close attention yet). Maybe New Brunswick is decent and lower tier CCHA (OSU and Ferris State) and HE (Mass and Vermont) teams aren't very good. Overall, it still looks like most Canadian teams get crushed by NCAA teams that have nothing to play for and are still just warming up.
5-27-2 (I'm assuming all those teams played Canadian opponents, except the US U-18 team of course
Well Xavier's tie at BU makes them look good, but when you see that they only scored on BU's 3rd stringer who was on the ice for the first time since February 08, and Xavier's goalie - while he played great - would be a ridiculously ineligible NCAA player as he played 5 years of major junior (3 as a starter) and one season in the ECHL. Nonetheless, BU's offense was sloppy and Xavier deserves credit for hustling all night and scrapping out a tie.
windycityhockeynut
Registered User
Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
Checking some of the Canadian college rosters, I think I counted 13 players on Western Ontario that had Major Junior experience (mostly OHL & WHL) so it's no surprise that they could compete with US D1 teams (beat Ohio St in ot).
Checking some of the Canadian college rosters, I think I counted 13 players on Western Ontario that had Major Junior experience (mostly OHL & WHL) so it's no surprise that they could compete with US D1 teams (beat Ohio St in ot).
Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
Yeah, I bet Western Ontario's goalie would do awesome in D-I college hockey.
http://www.uscho.com/stats/player.php?pid=13221&gender=m
Oh....
Yeah, I bet Western Ontario's goalie would do awesome in D-I college hockey.
http://www.uscho.com/stats/player.php?pid=13221&gender=m
Oh....
MAVFANJEFF
broomslinger
Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
Lethbridge looked really good tonight. Their goalie was rock solid. Manitoba has been a pushover for most of the games UNO has played them.
Lethbridge looked really good tonight. Their goalie was rock solid. Manitoba has been a pushover for most of the games UNO has played them.
FreddyFoyle
AUS & CIS Hockey Nut
Re: Canadian University's competing against D1 Programs
As has been mentioned, the three CIS conferences are not equal. Most national champions come out of the AUS (Atlantic University Sport) or Canada West conferences. The OUA is the biggest conference (combines Ontario and Quebec hockey schools) and the weakest. Half the teams there would be Division II if we had such a thing in the CIS.
The AUS was 3-5-2 against the NCAA this past weekend, and only two games were blowouts (although several teams were heavily outshot). I'm not even going to calculate the OUA's record, as I believe only Western and Laurier pulled off a win.
The top teams in the CIS, which again tend to be in the AUS or Canada West, recruit the majority of their rosters from Major Junior. The bulk of the OUA teams recruit from Junior A and even Junior B. Only the top-end OUA teams have a lot of former Major Junior players.
I wouldn't worry about the NCAA. Rusty, but eager NCAA teams are hosting CIS teams who may have already played upwards of 7 games. In the AUS, the first official hockey practice can start after the first day of classes, which was Sept. 8 this year. UNB had their first exhibition game on Sept. 15, and they played the AHL's Portland Pirates this past Wednesday, Sept. 30, and they outshot the pros while losing 4-2.
As may have been mentioned, UNB has won two of the last three CIS championships and last year both Tim Whitehead and Jerry York said that UNB would be competitive in Hockey East, after their teams lost to UNB.
So in closing, there are some good CIS schools, like UNB, Alberta, Saint Mary's and Western, who are better than some near-sighted NCAA fans may want to believe. And yes, there are a whole bunch of CIS schools, predominantly in the OUA, who cannot be competitive with NCAA schools. But hey, those schools cannot beat the top teams in the AUS or Canada West either!
As has been mentioned, the three CIS conferences are not equal. Most national champions come out of the AUS (Atlantic University Sport) or Canada West conferences. The OUA is the biggest conference (combines Ontario and Quebec hockey schools) and the weakest. Half the teams there would be Division II if we had such a thing in the CIS.
The AUS was 3-5-2 against the NCAA this past weekend, and only two games were blowouts (although several teams were heavily outshot). I'm not even going to calculate the OUA's record, as I believe only Western and Laurier pulled off a win.
The top teams in the CIS, which again tend to be in the AUS or Canada West, recruit the majority of their rosters from Major Junior. The bulk of the OUA teams recruit from Junior A and even Junior B. Only the top-end OUA teams have a lot of former Major Junior players.
I wouldn't worry about the NCAA. Rusty, but eager NCAA teams are hosting CIS teams who may have already played upwards of 7 games. In the AUS, the first official hockey practice can start after the first day of classes, which was Sept. 8 this year. UNB had their first exhibition game on Sept. 15, and they played the AHL's Portland Pirates this past Wednesday, Sept. 30, and they outshot the pros while losing 4-2.
As may have been mentioned, UNB has won two of the last three CIS championships and last year both Tim Whitehead and Jerry York said that UNB would be competitive in Hockey East, after their teams lost to UNB.
So in closing, there are some good CIS schools, like UNB, Alberta, Saint Mary's and Western, who are better than some near-sighted NCAA fans may want to believe. And yes, there are a whole bunch of CIS schools, predominantly in the OUA, who cannot be competitive with NCAA schools. But hey, those schools cannot beat the top teams in the AUS or Canada West either!
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