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Colgate 2009-2010

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Re: Colgate 2009-2010

The frosh coming in next year is supposed to be very good. High GAA this year but plays for a last place team...backstopped a gold medal in a Jr tournament this year. Hard to fault Evin...the winner was a very weak goal but he stopped Vermuellen on two breakaways in the first and several other great saves.

As many SLU posters agreed...the difference to this series was Kisi, plain and simple. The first goal Fri night never should of gone in either.

Felt so sorry for Mac...played his heart out but was snakebitten. Good luck to him as I guess he's leaving for the Lowell Devils today or tomorrow !!!
 
Re: Colgate 2009-2010

Shabby I hope you're right about the incoming class. I've looked at the kids and some possess pretty impressive credentials (Chris Wagner comes to mind). I think McNamara's brother is playing in Sweden? this year. Once again the roster limitations and other factors essentially limit us to replacing seniors lost with a like number of frosh. Maybe the Providence College transfer will help. We've all discussed the goaltending situation, but I saw too many severe defensive coverage lapses (and that includes forwards not doing their job in our end) to lay all the blame on the goaltending. In any event at least one (and maybe two) additions in the nets will raise the level of play. One can see why Price and Larkin were drafted, although finding a decent #6 defensemen remains a challenge. My best to Yale and specifically Sean Backman who suffered a serious leg injury (not hockey-related) last week. And finally, a big thanks to 'GateRadio for his contributions; I sincerely hope you're around next year - although a fan your coverage was excellent and fair and enjoyed your posts. If you will not be with us in 2010-11 good luck wherever you go...
 
Re: Colgate 2009-2010

'Gate Radio said:
And with that, another hockey season comes to an end. It's really hard to believe where the last three years have gone. I feel like I was driving down to Hamilton to meet Bob Cornell, Michelle Kelley and Coach Vaughan just the other day. Of course Bob now is retired, Michelle works in the Albany area and helps out at Union and well, Don is still the head coach.

Tough way to end the season last night but I think given what was lost from last year and all of the question marks at the start of the season, a 15-15-6 mark, fourth place finish in the league and a first round bye certainly are the signs of a successful year in my view. While I know that the goal of this group was to compete for a national championship, what was accomplished is still a big deal for a team that did not have a clear number one starter in goal at the beginning of the year, had four first-year defensemen and three others with just about one full season each of hockey and an offense returning that had barely managed 89 goals in 38 games. Plus, it was a team that had had a hard time winning and scoring that big goal the year before, playing in 19 OT games. While the six seniors will be missed, I would say that Colgate should be right in the mix for home ice in the opening round of the playoffs next season.

But, as is listed on someone's profile (I forget who as I write), there are well over 200 days until the next time the team takes to the ice - which I believe again will be against Army on Cape Cod. There are also trips on tap for Lake State and Robert Morris that I know of plus a holiday tournament (can't reveal which just yet) but that is all I know right now.

Thanks to everyone for another great year and I look forward to seeing some of you at the team banquet. That said, I'm not terribly sure if I'll be around next year or not. There's a lot of different factors involved, nothing really though to do with the actual team or the staff - who have been great to me since day one. But, we'll see at this point.Thanks again everyone and good luck to the six ECAC teams still playing.
Click to expand...

I couldn't have said it better, GR. It seems like yesterday that I was checking out the stats of D-Mac down at Newmarket. Likewise with Ethan Cox. We're gonna miss them both along with the rest of the seniors. With a young defensive corp maybe we should consider this a "rebuilding year." With a good number of scorers returning, along with a more mature "D" things could get better. Need to solve the goalie situaton however. Inconsistency was the name of the game this year, however as many have pointed out, if someone were to tell us we'd be in the 4th spot back in October, we'd be happy. Since the coaches' and media polls had us in 6th place (I believe), we have done better than the experts thought...:)

GR, you have done a great job of broadcasting the games. I hope you stick around; I'm just getting used to your call....:D If not, I wish you the best in whatever path you follow. Keep us in the loop please.
 
Re: Colgate 2009-2010

ColSkate65 said:
COLGATE HOCKEY: "Only 210 days until Army - October 9th on Cape Cod" - Gate Radio
Click to expand...

Having lived in Massachusetts all my life (and still currently a resident of the Bay State), this is a game I will definitely go see in person. I always make a trip to the Cape every summer -- this year it'll be a few months later :D

Re: next year, according to Chris Heisenberg's website we have 6 incoming recruits, which makes sense given the fact that we (A) have 6 seniors graduating and (B) we have a roster limit. But why are our incoming recruits 4 forwards and 2 goaltenders??? I would have preferred at least one defenseman, though thankfully we lose NOBODY on D for next season. I also think that Evin will be motivated from this loss to play better or he'll lose the starting job to one of the incoming goaltenders.

We will also have FOUR players from Massachusetts on next year's roster (Day, Wagner, and both McNamara's), which I think would be rather neat in addition to our usual Canadians. Wagner and Hamburg seem to me like players that will contribute right away and (slowly but surely) fill the big shoes left by McIntyre and Cox. Jack McNamara I'm sure will contribute as well having played in Sweden and will want to play with the same pride as his older brother. I just don't want a repeat of the 2006-07 season next year: few question marks, high expectations, only to play a mediocre season.

Who'd a thunk Brown and Union would make it to Albany??? I guess it's a blessing in disguise that we didn't make it -- we can never seem to win in that building anyway.
 
Re: Colgate 2009-2010

Sorry to see the season end. Next year will be better, though I will miss watching Mac and Cox, and the other seniors. Time goes on.

Go 'gate!
 
Re: Colgate 2009-2010

The good news: if 11th place Brown can make it to the Final Four, there's hope for all.

The bad news: now we have to face a resurgent Brown program next year...in addition to an SLU team that seems to have our number. Seems like there will be no easy pickings next season (...not that there ever is :rolleyes: )

Shabby - is it time to roll out the "off season" thread? We seem to be wandering off in our postings about the future....:confused:
 
Re: Colgate 2009-2010

ColSkate65 said:
Shabby - is it time to roll out the "off season" thread? We seem to be wandering off in our postings about the future....:confused:
Click to expand...

Then I'll post one more time here since I have yet to put closure on the season.

Gotter said:
Time goes on.
Click to expand...
True, but hard to wake up the next morning wondering what if or if only, why or how. Personally speaking, there is so much emotion and willpower that goes into every season; the dedication and hours of driving and risking my life on Rt. 20 and listening and talking and hoping and praying. It's exhausting and expensive just being a fan but rewarding nonetheless. Must be a Colgate magnetism that noone other than a Red Raider fan could understand.

No need to dredge up the playoff losses other than to say I was hopeful and left disappointed. Having a bye proved to be insignificant as did scoring 3 pp goals. There was a good turnout despite the lack of a band (!) and we ended the season with a solid record. The fact that we finished in 4th place after the regular season is a source of pride and hope for the future.

FWIW...on a different forum, someone had mentioned that after 17 years, Vaughan has a winning record of .450, one of the lowest among active Colgate coaches, without any Championships or NCAA wins. Also said a new rink was in the works (here's a less-than-informative link if interested)

http://www.cannondesign.com/#/partnership/clients#list

Thanks, 'Gate!
Good Luck Seniors!
Welcome, Class of 2014!
 
Re: Colgate 2009-2010

Its sad to say, but this could (?) be my last post. Shabby, you do a great service to this forum, so keep up the great work.

To our team, it was sad to see a strong finish to your season come to an end, after making so many people believe in the possibilities.

Despite historic numbers on D.V.'s winning record, I love the passion he brings to every game, and every season.

Fans, don't be disapointed, as the Yale fans are likely far more taken back by their results. However, they may still get through.

To the negative posters, I bid you farewell. To the positive posters, keep up the great attitude, as its a spirit the team and the school will need each and every year.

To the players, I wish you great success. Best of Luck with whatever you choose to accomplish.

Good Night, and God Bless.
 
Re: Colgate 2009-2010

Although I've differed with TchrBill on some things, he's pretty much summed up my sentiments (below) for the season. Fighting off Rte 20 is always a challenge, but the draw of Colgate hockey overpowers any negative vibes. It's always exciting for me to be headed back to alma mater and witness the team going all out.

Doghok, I hope you are not leaving us. I value your posts over the years and hope you will be able to stick with us. We need all the posters we can find. I'm also sad to learn that GR may be going elsewhere...:(

To the Seniors I can only echo what has been posted. Thanks for the memories and all the effort and exciting games you have given us. While we were a .500 club this year it is quite an improvement on last season, and hopefully a harbinger of things to come -- however we will miss Mac and Ethan Cox, et al, and their gritty play.

I did not mean for Shabby to close down this thread if there are more things to kick around for this past season. He's "The Man" and it's up to him. There will be things to discuss over the spring-summer-fall and I hope we can either keep this thread alive or start an off-seaon thread in time. No hurry on my part....:)
 
Re: Colgate 2009-2010

I've been reading this board over the past 4 months. I decided to register today and get on board.

Yes this was a somewhat disappointing year but I am here to look at the POSITIVES for next year...and yes I do think there are quite a few things to be encouraged about.

Day and Smith are back along with a pretty good crop of young forwards. In my eyes Brian Day should be a Hobey candidate based on his last couple of years. He's a true leader and should have a great year. Don't forget he was recovering from hip surgery the first couple of months, he should be coming into the season 100%. Smith is just a great offensive weapon. He should also put up some good numbers. Next year we will not lack for offense.

Defensively we will be a year older, wiser and stronger. That is going to pay huge dividends on the blue line. I like the way the younger kids developed, especially Larkin. With K Mac back their again we should have solid leadership.

Two new goalies coming in to throw in the mix. I think if Evin works hard in the off season he can be the man next year. This was really more like a freshman season to him based on his playing time the year before. He's got the tools. The kid from Des Moines is big and athletic however he plays on bad team right now, so don't let his numbers fool you. Fenkell is also a very good goalie, he is a bit undersized but obviously got the job done at the prep level.

Only 4 players coming in and they're all forwards. I would think a couple of them could contribute a bit offensively or at least fill a roll, whether it be on a checking line of the PK.
 
Re: Colgate 2009-2010

I completely agree with you, Gaterooter. I think both Day and Smith will have great years. Also, don't forget about Brisebois, who came into his own with 15 goals this year and Bourdon, who had a very nice freshman season.

In regards to the defense, don't forget, that in a way we had 6 new ones this year. McNamara had not played for a year, Poplawski played only a third of his sophomore season and we had four freshmen back there this year. Only McPherson was coming in with a full season under his belt.

As opposed to some of you, I am sold on Evin. I think at times he may have struggled with confidence issues, which would not have been a problem if he had not gotten injured in December since by that point he was already taking over the job only to have to start over in January.

When it comes to the recruiting class, I feel it's a very good one. While not as flashy as some others in the league, I think it will be just as solid. Mihalik has the potential of forming a tremendous goaltending tandem with Evin. Wagner seems like quite the goal scorer, tying the EJHL record for points in a single season this year (he will probably be drafted) and Hamburg seems to have potential too.

I also expect continued improvement from Matt Firman, Nick Prockow, and Kurtis Bartliff. Especially since the first two as upperclassmen should become leaders in the team.

Don't forget, we were very young this year. Next year we will be older and more experienced. I think we will remain in the top 4. Also I choose to take the end of Albany as a new era of success for the Raider hockey program.
 
Re: Colgate 2009-2010

What's up with the Colgate attendance numbers? The official attendance indicates that Starr was under 50% capacity for both games, yet those who were there thought there were decent crowds. Someone mentioned free tickets were being distributed; perhaps they were not counted in official attendance.

Nevertheless, I'm always surprised, particularly given the fervent support in this Thread, that the Colgate community as a whole does not support the team better. Given your consistently highly ranked teams, support in the stands should not be a problem. Certainly at Cornell, the Lynah atmosphere is a huge recruiting tool. The fans' number one responsibility is to show up and be vocal. If your pep band was AWOL, that is the place to start. Quiet rinks are deadly in getting first-time attenders to come back. The charged atmosphere is the essence of the lure of college hockey. I know at Cornell alum support of the pep band (i.e. $ for travel/expenses) is solicited and welcomed.

P.S. this is meant constructively, not as a knock.
 
Re: Colgate 2009-2010

Welcome, Gaterooter. I'd hazard a guess that we're all positive about every new hockey season regardless of the one that precedes it.

Consistently highly ranked teams, Big Red Fan? That's kind of you to say ;)

This w/e was a great turnout by Colgate standards, considering the students were on spring break. Last w/e for the prelim rounds, other ECAC schools had even lower attendances than Colgate.

For Clarkson, SLU, Union, & RPI, it's their only D-I sport. I would expect more fan support there. Qpac is larger and has a new arena. Then there are the Ivies. Given our humble arena and smaller size, I'd still say we're more apathetic than most.
 
Re: Colgate 2009-2010

I think only Princeton is more apathetic than us, Bill. When it comes to students, maybe Harvard too. I'd say the top 4 in that department are Cornell, RPI, Clarkson, and SLU. Yale and Dartmouth are up there too. Union is getting there. It's too bad how things have changed. You could rarely find a seat at Starr in the years I called Colgate my home.
 
Re: Colgate 2009-2010

Welcome aboard, Gaterrooter. Hopefully we'll see you around next season. As I've said before on this thread, I've heard good stuff about Wagner since I live not too far away from his hometown of Walpole, MA (also home of Mike Milbury ... good omen?) I'm sure he'll contribute to our offense once he starts wearing a Raider uniform.

Anyways, here is what next year's league schedule looks like:
<pre>
Nov. 5 @Clarkson
Nov. 6 @St. Lawrence
Nov. 12 Princeton
Nov. 13 Quinnipiac
Nov. 19 Brown
Nov. 20 Yale

Jan. 7 @Quinnipiac
Jan. 8 @Princeton
Jan. 14 Union
Jan. 15 RPI

Jan. 28 @Harvard
Jan. 29 @Dartmouth
Feb. 4 St. Lawrence
Feb. 5 Clarkson
Feb. 11 @RPI
Feb. 12 @Union
Feb. 18 Dartmouth
Feb. 19 Harvard
Feb. 25 @Yale
Feb. 26 @Brown
</pre>
Yeesh. North Country trip to start the league schedule. :eek:
Other non-conference opponents we know:
-Army (Cape Cod, October 9)
-Lake Superior State (away, probably x2, either October 15-16 or October 22-23)
-Robert Morris (probably away, probably x2, I remember Coach Vaughan mentioning that they are on the schedule again)

Other than that, it's guesswork. I'm guessing we'll have another holiday tournament, and we'll probably have an Atlantic Hockey school or two visit Starr Rink. I would personally like to see some Hockey East opponents, as the travel would not be too long for the visiting team and it would give us a good non-conference opponent. We had a relatively weak strength of schedule this year and I would rather see a decent share of quality OOC opponents for next year.

This will probably be my last post until sometime before next season starts. Have a great spring/summer to everyone who posts on this thread.
 
Re: Colgate 2009-2010

sshablak said:
Where's Cornell ??
Click to expand...

When the league makes the block schedule, it leaves the travel partner pairings out so that the schools can decide when they want to play. Usually, there will be a few weekends where both schools are off from league play so the games will fall then. This year, the ideal second semester weekend would have been Jan. 22-23 but Cornell was playing North Dakota at home so other arrangements had to be made, resulting in the split of games between semesters.

I don't have next year's NC schedule on hand but I would guess that possibly Cornell and Colgate would play on Jan. 21 and 22. Or, it could be split to a Thursday-Saturday set with the Thursday game being at Colgate and the Saturday meeting at Lynah. Glancing at the schedule, the games could be placed in December too but I think the late January date with students present would be more desirable. I can't imagine a repeat of this year's experiment with a pair of Tuesday nighters.
 
Re: Colgate 2009-2010

Congratulations Gate on a successful season and thank you seniors for four years of exciting hockey! I am sure your leadership was key to the development of the younger players and the 4th place finish. I wish you all the best.

Sorry Doghok that you will not be posting, your insights were informative and refreshing. I hope you will continue to follow Colgate and offer your thoughts from time to time in the future. I too like to focus on the positives rather than the negatives.

TchrBill stated that he had read in another forum that Coach Vaughan had a winning percentage of .450 and was lowest among Colgate coaches. That didn't seem quite right to me, so I just did a little research on stats regarding Coach Vaughan's record and this is what I found:

Overall winning percentage is .508. His winning percentage in the ECAC is .533. He ranks 17th In winning percentage in all of NCAA D1 hockey among active coaches.
In addition:
He won two regular season titles.
Had 2 NCAA appearances.
Five trips to the ECAC final four since 2000. (Only 3 other teams Cornell, Harvard, and Dartmouth have appeared more in the ECAC final four tournament.
A 99% graduation rate.
Three Hobey Baker finalists.
One Humanitarian Award Finalist (Hopefully Ethan Cox will win.)
And has several players playing in the NHL (McDonald, C. Murphy, Winchester) who were overlooked in the draft and who developed under his tenure.
Two 1819 award winners (Thomas and Anderson). I can only remember one other athlete, perhaps a women's soccer player win that coveted award during DV's tenure.
And several All Americans (can't remember exact number).

You can't compare Colgate Hockey to other Colgate sports. The hockey team played teams who were consistently ranked nationally (three in their own league). I believe the football team lost two games against ranked opponents this year. The rest of Colgate's teams are in the Patriot League. The basketball team plays Syracuse and loses every year, I've yet to see the football team play Michigan (I wonder how they would do) and if all other teams played nationally ranked teams I'm sure they would have little success as well. Comparing Colgate hockey to other Colgate sports is like comparing Colgate football to Michigan football. No comparison.

The stats speak for themselves. As hockey fans, we should be proud of what Colgate hockey has accomplished and the extremely dedicated players who have come through the program. These players didn't come to Colgate because we have the worst facilities and less than stellar fan support. Maybe they look at these stats and see that they will have a shot an ECAC final four, or an NCAA appearance, or a chance at winning a Hobey Baker or Humanitarian award. Or if they haven't been drafted and opportunity to play for a coach who has developed NHL players. DV's record is above .500 even with all the obstacles that have been mentioned in many previous posts. Not too bad. Winning championships are not that easy especially when you have to recruit with the worst facilities (sorry Doghok).

Perhaps if all of the loyal Colgate Hockey fans would focus on all of the positives we could probably excite others enough to get them interested in hockey and get more fans into the building!

Good luck to the final four teams remaining, should be an exciting series.

Can't wait to see what next year brings. Go Gate!!!
 
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