CCC Hockey Coaches Poll

[nefan]

UNE gets five points this weekend, but they had to work hard and get lucky! Curry played two terrific games this weekend and only has one point to show for it. I think Curry exposed some of the UNE weaknesses this weekend. They really bottled up UNE's speed players with some real tenacious checking. When UNE was able to break out of their end, Curry forward came back strong and took away all of the passing lanes. I think Curry won far more face-offs during the series and couldn't count how many shots they blocked. Every player was willing to sacrifice the body.

UNE has a surging Nichols team next weekend. Nichols took 5 points this weekend. I missed the Nichols tying goal, I figured when Wentworth scored with 2:00 left, it was over. You know what Yogi says, "It ain't over till it's over!"

Big week in the CCC. Wentworth and Curry seem to have games they need to win and should win but WNEU and Becker can surprise you so they cant take these games too lightly. Nichols is playing real well lately and could sneak up on UNE but will need to play flawlessly and stay out of the box and keep the games close and get a few bounces. Tough task for the Bison but they have played well vs UNE in the past.
Endicott/Salve should be two very good games if the contest a few weeks ago is any indication. Salve had 7 starters in the stands last weekend and has been dealing with a rash of injuries all season long. If they can get some of those guys back this weekend it should be interesting. Salve has not played well of late and now is the time to step it up and get in a groove before the final stretch. Time will tell.

 

[dinocoach]

Re: CCC Hockey Coaches Poll

Big week in the CCC. Wentworth and Curry seem to have games they need to win and should win but WNEU and Becker can surprise you so they cant take these games too lightly. Nichols is playing real well lately and could sneak up on UNE but will need to play flawlessly and stay out of the box and keep the games close and get a few bounces. Tough task for the Bison but they have played well vs UNE in the past.
Endicott/Salve should be two very good games if the contest a few weeks ago is any indication. Salve had 7 starters in the stands last weekend and has been dealing with a rash of injuries all season long. If they can get some of those guys back this weekend it should be interesting. Salve has not played well of late and now is the time to step it up and get in a groove before the final stretch. Time will tell.

It does seem that Nichols has gotten back to where we all thought they's be when this season started. This weekend vs UNE is going to be huge for them. Nichols will have to keep it together in order to pull out some points. This really seems like a nice rivalry for both clubs, although this might be the first year Coach Swallow will not have any kids he recruited to Nichols on the ice.

What I think I am going to watch for in Nichols, is what happens to them if the go down a goal or two early. I know they were down 2-1 against Wentworth in both games over the weekend and came back in the 3rd period. The question I have is, what will they do against a top tier team, it's been that kind of season for them.

Becker still remains a mystery to me. I am not sure they have any surprises in them, but I could be wrong. Wentworth should handle them fairly easily, but, there is always a "but"!

The series that I think is the most intriguing is the Endicott/Salve series. Salve played well enough to win both games last weekend against Becker. Did Salve take their foot off the gas in the 3rd period of game 1? Endicott is playing well right now and I think they have a lot to prove. For some reason, they took a backseat to UNE and Salve in the middle of the season. I am also wondering about the 18-0 shellacking Salve took against UNE and what effect that may have on Endicott this weekend. There are always games within the games!

Let's have some fun out there!

 

[dinocoach]

Re: CCC Hockey Coaches Poll

I am seeing the chatter begin about NCAA Tournament on other threads and I start to wonder where the CCC will fit with all of the others. My opinion is that of the two conferences I have seen, in person, and the couple I have watched through stream, NEHC has Norwich, Hobart, maybe NEC and Babson as possibles. The MASCAC has Plymouth State, but that would only be through the AQ. In the NESCAC, Williams and Trinity have set themselves apart from the rest of the conference. I don't see anyone else coming out of that conference.

At the start of the season, I thought the CCC could have 5 teams with possibilities beyond the AQ, now I think it might be down to UNE and either Endicott, Salve and Curry as interchangeable.

I guess what I'm saying is the CCC has performed below what I expected. I had high hopes for teams like Salve, Endicott, Nichols and Curry playing well enough to make a statement to the rest of the D-III world and, it didn't happen. I think the only way the CCC gets more than one bid is if UNE doesn't get the AQ. Thoughts?

 

[hockeyfan77]

Re: CCC Hockey Coaches Poll

I am seeing the chatter begin about NCAA Tournament on other threads and I start to wonder where the CCC will fit with all of the others. My opinion is that of the two conferences I have seen, in person, and the couple I have watched through stream, NEHC has Norwich, Hobart, maybe NEC and Babson as possibles. The MASCAC has Plymouth State, but that would only be through the AQ. In the NESCAC, Williams and Trinity have set themselves apart from the rest of the conference. I don't see anyone else coming out of that conference.

At the start of the season, I thought the CCC could have 5 teams with possibilities beyond the AQ, now I think it might be down to UNE and either Endicott, Salve and Curry as interchangeable.

I guess what I'm saying is the CCC has performed below what I expected. I had high hopes for teams like Salve, Endicott, Nichols and Curry playing well enough to make a statement to the rest of the D-III world and, it didn't happen. I think the only way the CCC gets more than one bid is if UNE doesn't get the AQ. Thoughts?

Yes that's what I see


I think Norwich and Babson are shoe in's for the tournament (Babson is 15-4-2)...NEC and Hobart would probably have to win the AQ for a berth

 

[JSicedog]

Yes that's what I see


I think Norwich and Babson are shoe in's for the tournament (Babson is 15-4-2)...NEC and Hobart would probably have to win the AQ for a berth

Norwich probably is but Babson is far from it

 

[dinocoach]

Re: CCC Hockey Coaches Poll

Did not get to watch the UNE/Nichols game on the stream due to the "Great Spectrum Cable Outage of 2020". It actually came back on line just as UNE was scoring the winning goal in the 3-on-3 OT period. So, I have no idea how the game went. It is good to see that Nichols seems to be back where we all expected them to be. I will be at the Alfond tonight for the second game of the series, so I am hoping for some nice home cooking for the Nor'easters.

Becker had a nice surprise for Wentworth last night. It just goes to show that in this conference, on any given night...

Curry did what was expected vs WNEU, although 4 goals on 54 shots could be troubling.

The Endicott/Salve game looked interesting. Six goals in the first period and then nothing until OT. Salve seems to have had the advantage in shots and was 2 for 6 on the Power Play but couldn't get the winner. Salve continues to falter against the top teams in the conference. Tonight at the Abbey could be interesting.

Getting down toward crunch time and, it seems that the conference may only get the AQ unless UNE loses in the conference finals. I really had hopes for a better representation.

 

[CCC Fan]

Re: CCC Hockey Coaches Poll

Did not get to watch the UNE/Nichols game on the stream due to the "Great Spectrum Cable Outage of 2020". It actually came back on line just as UNE was scoring the winning goal in the 3-on-3 OT period. So, I have no idea how the game went. It is good to see that Nichols seems to be back where we all expected them to be. I will be at the Alfond tonight for the second game of the series, so I am hoping for some nice home cooking for the Nor'easters.

Becker had a nice surprise for Wentworth last night. It just goes to show that in this conference, on any given night...

Curry did what was expected vs WNEU, although 4 goals on 54 shots could be troubling.

The Endicott/Salve game looked interesting. Six goals in the first period and then nothing until OT. Salve seems to have had the advantage in shots and was 2 for 6 on the Power Play but couldn't get the winner. Salve continues to falter against the top teams in the conference. Tonight at the Abbey could be interesting.

Getting down toward crunch time and, it seems that the conference may only get the AQ unless UNE loses in the conference finals. I really had hopes for a better representation.

Nichols seems to be coming on strong with their win at UNE last night. It's too late for them to make a big move in the standings but could they be at their best in time for the playoffs? They could make things interesting. UNE needs to stay out of the box!

 

[dinocoach]

Re: CCC Hockey Coaches Poll

You know, when you give up 4 PPGs, and the penalties were really stupid undisciplined penalties, you deserve to lose. The Nichols goalie was outstanding in that 1st period, and the Nichols players were blocking shot left and right. Nichols survived a 5 minute spearing penalty. Even when UNE went up 2-0, Nichols just kept playing. I don't think either coach was too happy with the officiating, although, from where I was sitting, each penalty was legit. UNE has no one but themselves to blame for the score.

Nichols may not be able to improve themselves in the standings, but they will need to be watched in the conference playoffs.

One thing happened last night, on the first UNE goal. The scoring team usually goes down the bench, slapping gloves between the guys on the bench and the guys on the ice. Every team does this. The goalie usually comes to the bench as well, to be part of the "cellie". Evidently, the UNE goalie said something as he skated by the Nichols bench. Whatever he said got the players on the Nichols bench pretty upset (putting it mildly!) and even the coach was upset. That really sparked the Nichols players the rest of the night. You could see they were really chirping at the goalie. Can you tell I hate these goal celebrations!

I always taught my players that if we scored, get back to the face-off dot before the other team, ready to score again. Don't give them any time to recover, put it back on them and score again. And, if they scored against you, don't drop your shoulders, get right back to the face-off dot, tip your hat to them and get that goal back! There is plenty of time to celebrate after the game! (Now I'm gonna sound old!) These days, it's about rubbing it in! I just hate that!

Opening myself up to all types of criticism, what do other people think about the goal celebrations?

 

[nefan]

Did not get to watch the UNE/Nichols game on the stream due to the "Great Spectrum Cable Outage of 2020". It actually came back on line just as UNE was scoring the winning goal in the 3-on-3 OT period. So, I have no idea how the game went. It is good to see that Nichols seems to be back where we all expected them to be. I will be at the Alfond tonight for the second game of the series, so I am hoping for some nice home cooking for the Nor'easters
Becker had a nice surprise for Wentworth last night. It just goes to show that in this conference, on any given night...

Curry did what was expected vs WNEU, although 4 goals on 54 shots could be troubling.

The Endicott/Salve game looked interesting. Six goals in the first period and then nothing until OT. Salve seems to have had the advantage in shots and was 2 for 6 on the Power Play but couldn't get the winner. Salve continues to falter against the top teams in the conference. Tonight at the Abbey could be interesting.

Getting down toward crunch time and, it seems that the conference may only get the AQ unless UNE loses in the conference finals. I really had hopes for a better representation.

Well it looks like everything went as expected last night with the exception possibly of the Curry/Salve score. UNE, Nichols, Endicott all winners and it should repeat tonight.
Gonna be tough for salve to win tonight unless they have some miracle healing waters down in Newport. This team has been decimated with injuries and sickness for about 1 month now. 4 top 9 forwards and 3 top 6 d-men have been out for a long stretch of the last month. Some have come back for a game or two but only to be out of lineup then next weekend. Had a few guys back last weekend vs. Endicott and played tough in 2 one goal losses. Last night had 4 top players out and just couldn’t handle Curry’s sustained pressure. Goalies need to play better as well. Soft goals are a killer when you are so short handed. Again if they can get healthy they can be very tough. Its only three playoff wins and your in the dance, this team if healthy could do it. Give credit to Curry though. Ive been saying it all year long. They are a very dangerous team. Skilled and tough. Don’t sleep on them!!

 

[dinocoach]

Re: CCC Hockey Coaches Poll

I am hoping that UNE can take care of business this weekend beating Wentworth at home and Becker on the road. Then I have to hope (man, do I hate depending on "Hope"!) that Becker, or more likely Curry and steal a point from Endicott to insure Home Ice through the playoffs. Curry has a very steep hill to climb, and they would have to depend on "Hope" and "Prayer" to slip into a bye position. Hope might come through for Curry but I'm not too sure about Prayer! Nichols continues strong and should get a home game in the first round.

Still concerned about the NCAA's. What if Endicott and UNE are in the conference finals? Any thought that they both may get a bid? Same for the NEHC, if Norwich and Babson or Norwich and Hobart are in the finals?

 

[CCC Fan]

Re: CCC Hockey Coaches Poll

I am hoping that UNE can take care of business this weekend beating Wentworth at home and Becker on the road. Then I have to hope (man, do I hate depending on "Hope"!) that Becker, or more likely Curry and steal a point from Endicott to insure Home Ice through the playoffs. Curry has a very steep hill to climb, and they would have to depend on "Hope" and "Prayer" to slip into a bye position. Hope might come through for Curry but I'm not too sure about Prayer! Nichols continues strong and should get a home game in the first round.

Still concerned about the NCAA's. What if Endicott and UNE are in the conference finals? Any thought that they both may get a bid? Same for the NEHC, if Norwich and Babson or Norwich and Hobart are in the finals?

Be careful what you wish for; if I remember correctly UNE got smoked at home in the CCC finals a couple years ago! Curry has a tough finish this week. I'm still curious about Salve and Nichols, Salve is missing its defense and seems to be falling apart while Nichols seems to have completely turned things around. Regardless of who they play will Salve be one and done? Can Nichols go on a run? In my humble opinion Curry seems to be the best all around squad.

 

[dinocoach]

Re: CCC Hockey Coaches Poll

Be careful what you wish for; if I remember correctly UNE got smoked at home in the CCC finals a couple years ago! Curry has a tough finish this week. I'm still curious about Salve and Nichols, Salve is missing its defense and seems to be falling apart while Nichols seems to have completely turned things around. Regardless of who they play will Salve be one and done? Can Nichols go on a run? In my humble opinion Curry seems to be the best all around squad.

I remember that night, I think it was Nichols who absolutely took it to UNE that night. It was also a night that, I think the UNE fans did not do themselves proud!

I agree with you about Curry. They have been playing well and they seem to be an unselfish group. I think the Selection Committee, and there are far more knowledgeable people on this site than me, uses either the PWR or the RPI for the at large selections. That could work against Curry and Nichols, at this time. Maybe??? (folks who know way more than me...)

 

[NUProf]

Re: CCC Hockey Coaches Poll

I remember that night, I think it was Nichols who absolutely took it to UNE that night. It was also a night that, I think the UNE fans did not do themselves proud!

I agree with you about Curry. They have been playing well and they seem to be an unselfish group. I think the Selection Committee, and there are far more knowledgeable people on this site than me, uses either the PWR or the RPI for the at large selections. That could work against Curry and Nichols, at this time. Maybe??? (folks who know way more than me...)

The PWR is used. The top 4 teams without autobids get the Pool C slots. That's it, that's all. No more committee decisions

 

[dinocoach]

Re: CCC Hockey Coaches Poll

So Wednesday night, it will be Salve vs. Nichols (not sure where) and Wentworth traveling to Curry, with the winners moving on to Saturday to face No.1 Endicott and No. 2 UNE. Endicott looked good last night against Curry. It seemed like a very tight checking game all night, but it really seemed like Endicott tightened up the defense even more in that 3rd period after their starting goalie got hurt and had to leave the game. If O'Brien can't go next week, because of injury, what, and who does Endicott turn to?

This is probably for a totally different thread, but, the defeat of Babson by USM last night sent all of the Pool C teams scrambling to their computers to see what effect that loss will have n their chances of sneaking in an At-Large bid. With their season done, this should allow other teams a chance to move ahead in the PWR, shouldn't it?

 

[dinocoach]

Re: CCC Hockey Coaches Poll

There should be two pretty good games on Wednesday in the CCC. Nichols travels to Salve in what should be a fairly even game. Salve beat Nichols twice early in the season, but Nichols seemed to have been snake bit at the time. That second game had quite a second period, 139 minutes in that period alone, most coming at 14:07. I wonder how good their memories are.

Wentworth and Curry should be a good one as well. I thought Wentworth played a great game at UNE on Friday night. It looked as though they had UNE baffled for long stretches during that game. Any of these four teams will make for a difficult game for both UNE and Endicott. Although I was very impressed with Endicott against Curry on Saturday.

 

[PrezdeJohnson09]

Wentworth takes down Curry 2-1.

 

[infoseeker]

Re: CCC Hockey Coaches Poll

Nichols over Salve in OT.

 

[dinocoach]

Re: CCC Hockey Coaches Poll

Wentworth takes down Curry 2-1.

This is a bit of a surprise in that Curry took two from them during the season. However, Wentworth took UNE to the max last week before UNE squeaked out a 2-1 victory. This will be the fourth time these two teams (UNE/Wentworth) have met this season, and UNE has taken all three games by ever decreasing margins, Wentworth could pull off a second surprise in Biddeford if UNE is not careful.

Nichols continues their late season run. They have been playing well and finally winning some of the close games they were losing early. I really liked the way Endicott looked last week against Curry. I thought they were playing a much stronger, more disciplined game, which will make it tough to beat them. Does anyone have any information on their top goalie, Connor O'Brien? He left the game with an injury midway through the 3rd and did not return.

My heart is saying UNE/Endicott final next week, but neither Nichols nor Wentworth wants their season to end. Desperation is an interesting motivator.

 

[The Zlax45]

Re: CCC Hockey Coaches Poll

I will be at Nichols and Endicott on Saturday

 

[dinocoach]

Re: CCC Hockey Coaches Poll

Wentworth continues their surprising run through the playoffs. Last night, they were a well disciplined team who had a plan and they executed it perfectly! They were strong all over the ice and especially in the goal. UNE played them four times this season, and in the first two games, Wentworth would give up some soft goals that would really blunt their effort. Since Goalie Carbo joined the team in January, they have not been giving up the softies.

Wentworth disrupted the UNE attack in all three zones. They had sticks in every passing lane and every shooting lane. They blocked shots all night and, when they weren't blocking shots, they were "influencing" the attempts by UNE shooters. It really was a great effort by Wentworth.

So,it will be a six visiting two for the conference championship with an AQ on the line, as Endicott finished off Nichols in OT. And, for those of us in Biddeford, it's "wait until next year!"!