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Colgate 2010-11

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Re: Colgate 2010-11

:mad: OUCH :mad:

After a solid effort last night, we have a clunker of a performance tonight. Barring a playoff meeting, the trio of Brian Day, Francois Brisebois, and Wade Poplawski will be the 1st graduating class in a long time not to ever enjoy a victory over Cornell. OUCH. Plus, we've still got that "donut" in the league win column to deal with. Going 0-fer on the power-play in the last 4 consecutive games won't do it either.

I really want to throw in the towel here but am still holding out hope ... but for how much longer? Have we become the new Brown? (No disrespect to the Ocean State Ivy.) This isn't a team dealing with injuries like Princeton and Clarkson last year. It's probably a combination of the coaching and a lack of senior leadership (think: David McIntyre and Ethan Cox). Once that's solved, we'll start winning games.
 
Re: Colgate 2010-11

Boy, some of you out there are really in a state of denial...the problem starts with both an overall lack of talent and an overall lack of depth of talent, then proceeds on to a structural problem in how our program is run. Next Year? Oh, we'll bring in 5 frosh of middling overall talent so none of those currently contributing to this wonderful season will lose any of their ice time...sound harsh, but it's true...again, most of the kids are trying; we're just NOT very good...
 
Re: Colgate 2010-11

Agree GreenCoat...my faith in the team expired a long time ago. The yo-yo/see-saw/roller coaster of goaltenders had me worried from the start. I have been waiting impatiently for the playoffs because they are the only games that matter this season so berating the team is pointless. I think we play some of our worst hockey against Cornell. Senseless penalties, misconducts, game DQs...being a rival doesn't excuse poor judgment and hot-headedness, though we play them like it does every time and the result is always the same.

Never thought I would see the day when tix would still be available at the door for the Cornell game in Hamilton. More than 75 years of hockey at Colgate but feeling very little pride in our storied program.

Go 'Gate
Beat the Crimson
 
Re: Colgate 2010-11

Just speaking on next year's recruiting class and the recruiting in general since I've been following the recruiting a lot more this year.

Next year's class is three players - John Lidgett, Joey Wilson and Brendan Corcoran. From what I've seen and read, Wilson and Lidgett are the real deal. Wilson's having a good season as a rookie in the OJHL and is averaging right around a point-per-game for a traditionally strong Kingston program. Wilson's numbers were much better in the EJHL but the level of play in Ontario overall is better. Remember last year, Joey also had a brief cameo of three games with USA U-18 when they played Colgate, Cornell and Utica in a single October weekend.

Lidgett will be on the younger side for college hockey at I believe 17 or 18 when the season starts. I'd look his age up but it's late and I'm lazy. Like Wilson, Lidgett is also averaging about a point per game and he's playing for a solid Camrose team in the Alberta Jr. League. At least in recent memory, Colgate has not had a player from the AJHL. Lidgett had a strong year last year for a bad Calgary Royals team and was dealt from that side to Camrose earlier this year. He's getting better as he gets older and from what I've been told, he's had WCHA teams interested in him this year. But, Lidgett committed prior to the start of this season so tough luck for the WCHA teams.

And then the third player in the class is Corcoran. I don't really know what to make of Brendan since it's hard to gauge a defenseman based on his numbers. He's still among the top 20 scorers among defensemen in the EJHL with Bay State. I do know that he'll be a 20 or 21-year-old freshman so that will be a boon to have an older guy on the blue line to replace Poplawski.

Given all of the constraints that Colgate has recruiting wise, I'd say this is a heck of a class. And down the road, the Spink twins are terrorizing the CJHL on a loaded Cornwall team that is ranked second among all Junior A teams in Canada. Tyson and Tylor have combined for 156 points through 41 games. And they've got one more year of junior left after this. Cornwall also just traded for Cumberland's Michael Borkowski who was the Grads' captain. Borkowski's out with an injury though but he was among Cumberland's leading scorers. Ryan Johnston for Nepean is also among the leading scorers for defensemen in the CJHL and I have read a lot of good things about him.

That class in two years isn't complete but it looks exceptional on paper with the Spink twins leading the way. Hopefully Colgate can hang on to them.

Tonight was a bad loss, pure and simple and overall it has been a down year. In general, it has been a down year for the athletics program. The only consistant winners this year overall have been men's soccer and volleyball and then of course Elise DeRoo dominated in XC. Does this mean the hockey program is going to hell in a handbasket? Nah, just a bad year. Everyone has them. Heck, Clarkson had two horrific years after that tremendous senior class left before they finally started to turn the corner this year.

Alright, rant over.
 
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Re: Colgate 2010-11

TheGreenCoat said:
Boy, some of you out there are really in a state of denial...the problem starts with both an overall lack of talent and an overall lack of depth of talent, then proceeds on to a structural problem in how our program is run. Next Year? Oh, we'll bring in 5 frosh of middling overall talent so none of those currently contributing to this wonderful season will lose any of their ice time...sound harsh, but it's true...again, most of the kids are trying; we're just NOT very good...
Click to expand...

TGC...I think the problem of talent/depth would actually be a problem attributable to the strutural problems we have, not the other way around. It's sad to see Colgate Hockey in such a state that we've been in complete denial for so long about the larger problems with the program and have become complacent with mediocrity.

Like really, after all this time, there's NOTHING we can do to make the program better? If you were running any respectable corporation this type of performance would be grounds for getting rid of the management. After 2 quarters of this Sh*Tt, not multiple years.

This is a sad time indeed for this program.
 
Re: Colgate 2010-11

Let me explain why I believe coaching and the planning has an awful lot to do with the way last nights game went.

After a physical game on Friday night at Starr, where Long was DQ'd early, and the top guys played more than usual. Gate decided to dress only 11 FORWARDS and 7 D for last nights game, electing to sit Mayer and Nasca the extra forwards eligible. Of those 7 D I believe Sinz had 2-3 shifts tops on the night. Day is handed 12 minutes in penalties 1/2 way through the game. Now you have 10 forwards playing in a 12 minute stretch of a physical game, the 2nd in 2 nights and this one on the road. We go into the 3rd tied 2-2 after battling back in the 2nd. The reason Gate fell apart in the 3rd is that the over used players and the short bench were beat up and gassed. Its that simple. It is time for a change and some accountability at the top.

Dressing a full compliment of forwards would have been the right thing to do in a game like that, following Friday night's game. Especially when you dress a 7th Dman you only plan on playing only in emergencies. Finally, it must be so simple to game plan against this team as an opposing coach. Look at the lack of change in the Gate system. Gate does the same thing every single night. We have nothing to lose, let's loosen up the strings and at least let the seniors have some fun on their way out. Let them play hockey.
 
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Re: Colgate 2010-11

Very much appreciate the last three posts, especially from Gate Radio...the basic problem is that, again, we're bringing in 3 or 4 kids to simply replace 3 graduating seniors. We need an infusion of much more new blood and if expanding the roster is necessary to do this, DO IT. We have both structural problems and talent issues (let's face it, there are 6 or 7 kids on the current roster, most of whom have grant-in-aid packages, that are simply not DI players). We are forced to overuse our limited offensive players (especially Day and Smith) so that we are continually gassed after two periods. Other ECAC programs continue to improve as witnessed by an improving non-ECAC performance (Union beat Minn at Mariucci, Q-Pac takes down UN-Omana twice, Dart beats UNH)...please tell me the last time Colgate beat a quality non-league opponent. This problem started to manifest itself many years ago (2007) and some of us saw it coming. Limited depth of talent with good goaltending kept us mediocre for a few years...reality has now set in...I'm trying to make a stink at higher levels because I simply can't accept what is now the status quo...
 
Re: Colgate 2010-11

I'm not buying all your selling Green Coat. Sorry. The talent level on this team is strong enough to Win. Like many have posted, they are not getting beat up game in and game out. They are definatley looking for both chemistry and consistency, and have a lot of underclassmen in the line-up. I anticipate that things will improve down the stretch, and as G.R. reports, the recruits for the next 2 years look very positive.

Colgate doesn't have financial aid, so your info isnt totally accurate. Yes, this team should have done better to date, but "ITS JUST A FREAKING GAME."
While it is disapointing, OH WELL ! How are the kids doing in the class-room ? Is the Dressing room developing a stronger sense of togetherness ?
What are the players learning through this challenging time ?

As Carey Price told the Montreal Fans in the Pre-season, " Chill Out "

Start asking yourself, " What can I do to support the Program through good and challenging times ? Life isn't going to be a winning lesson all the time !
 
Re: Colgate 2010-11

GR what are your thoughts on the line up last night and how it affected the 3rd period? Tell me why Mayer is not dressing?
 
Re: Colgate 2010-11

Gotta agree with doghok. There are a lot of "gloomy guses" on this thread. Man up guys! Everything in life is cyclical....even the Yankees have had seasons at the bottom of the AL. Remember the seasons Brown had recently? Give the program time to turn things around...it's bound to happen. Colgate Hockey is too big a tradition to let losing become a habit. It won't be long and you will see a reversal of fortune on the ice. You have to be in denial to think these players do not have talent or are not worthy of wearing the Raider uniform.
 
Re: Colgate 2010-11

I don't think that people are being so much "gloomy guses" as much they are being honest with assessments as to where the program stands right now. By the completion of this season, Colgate will have had 3 winning seasons in the last 11. Just think about that and let it sink in a bit. The numbers pretty much speak for themselves. And if we are reduced to comparisons with the Brown program we are in even deeper trouble than I thought. You do realize that Brown has had exactly 3 winning seasons in the last 16 years? Wow, I hope that's not the bar.
 
Re: Colgate 2010-11

Well stated Marmot...I really don't feel like "chilling out" when the program is 3-19-2, hasn't had a win against Cornell in the last 13 games (7 in a row vs. SLU), is drawing less than 1000 per game and seems content to continue the same approach as has occurred over the past five years. Those of us considered "negative" on this site have several years of reality on our side; we'd love to be optimistic, but we're not idiots. I have said before that the class of 2012 looks better, but Marmot is right - 3 winning seasons in the last 11 and a history of real luck regarding injuries isn't even mediocre. I AM NOT CRITICIZING THE KIDS. The strong evidence is that we're very thin in legitimate DI talent and I believe we can do better. I haven't (and won't) name names, but there are many kids on this team that, although they try hard, aren't very talented DI players. We're 3-19-1 with a strength of schedule ranking that ranks near the BOTTOM of DI hockey...enough said...
 
Re: Colgate 2010-11

And, yes, Carey Price did say "chill out"...however, as you said, it was in the PRE-SEASON, not after 70% of the regular season had been played. Support? I've contributed to Silver Puck in increasing amounts for 30+ years and doubled my contribution this year...and I know the nuances of financial aid, grant-in-aids, etc. Simply stated: if we want to become competitive we've got to do a better job on all fronts...it's a disease that is permeating many of Colgate's sports programs right now...
 
Re: Colgate 2010-11

DogHook- are you on some magic drug? I want some. I am with Green Coat although believe different root problems. Colgate does carry a slim roster so injuries, which for the most part we've avoided, could ruin a season. The facility is a negative on recruiting, the academics certainly prune out a lot of the potential players (although I hear we've managed to get in some weak academic players in the past few years). I don't believe there is a total lack of talent this year. I think it compares in the middle to the successful teams in prior years. I think the top end is behind prior years. My evidence is once again that we aren't getting blown out by good teams, we are loosing by one goal. That is coaching. That is not having an effective power play. That is not having the right combination of players on each line. That is not paying attention to match ups. That is overplaying certain players. That is not attaching consequences for certain players that make the same mistakes over and over. That is not motivating the players. That is being inconsistent in your message to the players and not doing what you say you are going to do. That is That is not adjusting your play to the team you are playing. That is not coaching and worrying about the little things. That is how you loose so many games by one goal. That is why we had so many ties two seasons ago. That is just poor coaching. Just my opinion. And then when you get past that, I think you can say similar things for the AD. Rather than getting fund raising done for a new arena we endow a coach?
 
Re: Colgate 2010-11

Just a thought, since the last three posters have found a sense of Unity & "Togetherness",

Why not get together, and meet with the A.D., and Head Coach, and offer some suggestions ?

Greencoat, I'm certain that Colgate appreciates your financial support. Silver Puck is a great program.

I know that this is frustrating, to drop from a 4th place finish last year, to last place now. My gut feel is that this team will do very well the balance of the season. I like the fact that a few players were kicked out of games, or given lengthly penalty minutes. Sure we tied and lost, but, players were showing emotion and physicality. Thats shows a positive sign. Good for Long & Day. Let the team know you care, and your willing to pay a price. This to me is a signal that the dressing room is rallying for one another, and a team is forming, rather than a bunch of individuals.

Hockey EH, I'm not on drugs, just high on life. Maybe some time I can lend you some of my "Magic". You see, I love life, and really enjoy helping others accomplish the same, and see far beyond a bunch of losses. I don't have energy for "Finger pointing" and communicating failings.

" You can get busy Living", or get busy Dying. Its your choice.
 
Re: Colgate 2010-11

I love the philosophical end to doghoks post. Tremendous.

I will say this about the players. They have guts and show no quit. I commend each and every one of them for still bringing it every game.
 
Re: Colgate 2010-11

I had written out a post earlier but lost it because my login timed out. Anyways.

As per the pre-game interview with Coach Vaughan last night, seven defensemen dressed because a few guys on the back end were banged up from the game on Friday night. Rather than potentially play with five healthy defensemen if someone originally in the line-up couldn't play or played and aggravated an injury, the extra defensemen was dressed. Previous experiences with five defensemen haven't gone too well.

As for the third period, well, it was a bad period and the completely worst time to have a meltdown. But, that's what happened and Cornell completely carried the play. Once Axell put in that goal to give Cornell the lead, things just went downhill. It is what it is at this point of the season and it's just another thing to add to the list of everything that has gone wrong this season. Did having one fewer forward dress hurt? I don't think so. While Day was in the penalty box for a while, the majority of those minutes came in the second period when Colgate was outshooting Cornell 15-3. Ten forwards still comes out to three full lines though the prolonged special teams sequence kept some players out more than others. These are all well-conditioned athletes and several have played a boatload of heavy minutes throughout the season and not been gassed so I don't agree with that point.

The biggest problems last night were special teams and play in the meat-and-potatoes area in front of the net at both ends. Much like the RPI game, when you go 0x8 on the PP, you're not going to win. In terms of the d-zone play, four of Cornell's five goals came from right in close with a few on rebounds. And then in the offensive zone, Colgate just could not get anything going in front and was relegated to taking shots from the outside and bad angles. While it would be preferable to get the puck to the front of the net, any shot is better than no shot though with no one in front there wasn't much of a chance for a rebound. The case of the first goal was Corbin just putting the puck on goal and Austin made a very nice deflection.

The team is still fighting and you know what, they'll still make the playoffs and that is where anything can happen. That fighting though shouldn't include a full-on pushing and shoving line brawl or making hits from behind. There are still five weeks to figure things out and given how last night played out, I believe it will start against Harvard on the road next Friday.
 
Re: Colgate 2010-11

We always think the next game will be the turning point. I hope it's the case in Cambridge as these two teams are both desperate for a win. And I, too, hope Brown is not the standard measure of where our program is heading, but those stats in black and white are a reality check and made my eyes water.

The incoming twins for next year - what was their draw to Colgate when they must have had other options? What must they be thinking as they see what's happening in Hamilton (other than instant ice time)? Even within the ECAC, how would anyone rate Colgate's recruiting chances? Qpac's new rink, Ivy pedigree...I think our location and barn severely hurt our efforts but that true players know that the value of a Colgate degree is priceless :-)

GateRadio, can you come right out and ask Vaughan about a new rink and when/if it will ever happen?!
 
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