With all the talk about breaking up the interlock and possible changes in Eastern D3 hockey it is easy to get distracted from the playoffs. However Norwich will be hosting the Ecac East playoffs this weekend in Northfield and the last few games have attracted large crowds so the games this weekend should be very exciting. Babson, NEC, and Skidmore are all good teams but have been very inconsitent. I was looking at Babson schedule and they lost there last 4 regular season games before the playoff win over UMass Boston. Skidmore record over the last half of the year was poor but they beat Southern Maine in the playoffs. NEC is always tough at Norwich and has recent wins over Colby and Castleton. Does anyone know what to expect from any of these teams? Norwich has been very consistant this year and a number of injured players are back in the linup and WDEV reported that Emmund Bell could also play this weekend. If I had to guess I would predict a Norwich/Babson final but after watching the Canada/USA hockey game a hot goaltender can give any team a chance to win. Also does anyone want to comment on the dissapointing seasons of Castleton and Southern Maine? Most fans expected more from each team this year.
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Ecac East Playoffs
- Thread starter hawk
- Start date
hockeyfan77
Registered User
Re: Ecac East Playoffs
Nope no comment from the USM side...I must say I am glad that Castleton lost last week though...
Having seen all 4 teams at least once (NEC twice, and Skidmore twice): I must say it will be interesting: it a short tourney any team can win it...I kind of like NEC as a sleeper here...
Nope no comment from the USM side...I must say I am glad that Castleton lost last week though...
Having seen all 4 teams at least once (NEC twice, and Skidmore twice): I must say it will be interesting: it a short tourney any team can win it...I kind of like NEC as a sleeper here...
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D3 Hockey is the Best
Registered User
Re: Ecac East Playoffs
I've seen Skidmore and NEC play this year. Both teams have lots of talent but have been underachievers
. If Skidmore can play with enthusiasm and high energy, they could be a sleeper. But it will be extremely tough for anyone to beat Norwich.
I've seen Skidmore and NEC play this year. Both teams have lots of talent but have been underachievers
. If Skidmore can play with enthusiasm and high energy, they could be a sleeper. But it will be extremely tough for anyone to beat Norwich.hockeyfan77
Registered User
Re: Ecac East Playoffs
I agree, but in the past NEC has always been a tough opponent for Norwich in the ECAC Playoffs...Plus, Norwich plays (for the most part) pretty close games and if they don't get the bounces??? I still think Norwich will take this tourney but I don't think it's going to be a cakewalk...Skidmore will get screwed over by the refs: this is just a fact for some teams in the ECAC EAST...
I agree, but in the past NEC has always been a tough opponent for Norwich in the ECAC Playoffs...Plus, Norwich plays (for the most part) pretty close games and if they don't get the bounces??? I still think Norwich will take this tourney but I don't think it's going to be a cakewalk...Skidmore will get screwed over by the refs: this is just a fact for some teams in the ECAC EAST...
Re: Ecac East Playoffs
Missed Norwich this year, but they will be tough to beat, although didn't Skidmore's goalie give them fits a few weeks ago? Babson is well coached and always in playoff games (see 2009). Who knows about NEC, saw them early and was not impressed, but who knows about the match-ups. I did see Skidmore twice (St. Anselm, UNE) and thought I was watching to completely different teams (how did they loose to UNE and then come back to beat Southern Maine on the road?).
As Castleton, they have to be disappointed. After a slow start to the season, they worked hard to get home ice and then got beat at home for the second straight year. You have to wonder what the problem is.
Missed Norwich this year, but they will be tough to beat, although didn't Skidmore's goalie give them fits a few weeks ago? Babson is well coached and always in playoff games (see 2009). Who knows about NEC, saw them early and was not impressed, but who knows about the match-ups. I did see Skidmore twice (St. Anselm, UNE) and thought I was watching to completely different teams (how did they loose to UNE and then come back to beat Southern Maine on the road?).
As Castleton, they have to be disappointed. After a slow start to the season, they worked hard to get home ice and then got beat at home for the second straight year. You have to wonder what the problem is.
hockeyfan77
Registered User
logger44444
Registered User
Re: Ecac East Playoffs
Coaching will be the deciding factor; Norwich is light-years ahead of the rest. All of the players have the proven skills to win; the major question is whether they are used properly or not.
Coaching will be the deciding factor; Norwich is light-years ahead of the rest. All of the players have the proven skills to win; the major question is whether they are used properly or not.
Re: Ecac East Playoffs
Pretty close games?? Not for "the most part". So far this season 133 goals for and 37 goals against. But again, if the NEC goalie gets hot anything can happen. By the way 20 of their 21 wins this season have been by 2 or more goals.
Pretty close games?? Not for "the most part". So far this season 133 goals for and 37 goals against. But again, if the NEC goalie gets hot anything can happen. By the way 20 of their 21 wins this season have been by 2 or more goals.
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Re: Ecac East Playoffs
ummm, I think that the coaching situation was about the same last year wasn't it? There must be more to it than that, eh?
ummm, I think that the coaching situation was about the same last year wasn't it? There must be more to it than that, eh?
hockeyfan77
Registered User
Re: Ecac East Playoffs
Ok there smart ***...Norwich beat NEC 6-2: Skidmore 5-3 and tied Babson 3-3: those are the the teams in the tourney: that's pretty much what I was getting at ....You are the type of "fan" that gives Norwich a bad name: I thought most of them were gone form this board but there is always one lurking... Did my Pick'em picks upset you that much wonder boy...
By the way: Carragher should have been Player of the Year over Rick Cleaver(I Still would like justification on that one) ....
Pretty close games?? Not for "the most part". So far this season 133 goals for and 37 goals against. But again, if the NEC goalie gets hot anything can happen. By the way 20 of their 21 wins this season have been by 2 or more goals.
Ok there smart ***...Norwich beat NEC 6-2: Skidmore 5-3 and tied Babson 3-3: those are the the teams in the tourney: that's pretty much what I was getting at
....You are the type of "fan" that gives Norwich a bad name: I thought most of them were gone form this board but there is always one lurking... Did my Pick'em picks upset you that much wonder boy...By the way: Carragher should have been Player of the Year over Rick Cleaver(I Still would like justification on that one) ....
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Re: Ecac East Playoffs
Just noticed that NEC's top 3 scorer's are all seniors, Alex Muse (34 points), Jeff Armando (25 points), and Mark Ehl (25 points). Compare that with Norwich where 2 out of the top 3 are Freshmen, Blake Forkey (36 points), Chad Anderson (Junior 35 points), Kyle Thomas (30 points). What I noticed when looking at the stats is Norwich has a lot more debth.
Just noticed that NEC's top 3 scorer's are all seniors, Alex Muse (34 points), Jeff Armando (25 points), and Mark Ehl (25 points). Compare that with Norwich where 2 out of the top 3 are Freshmen, Blake Forkey (36 points), Chad Anderson (Junior 35 points), Kyle Thomas (30 points). What I noticed when looking at the stats is Norwich has a lot more debth.
Re: Ecac East Playoffs
Skidmore has had a wildly inconsistent year but if they're on they could be dangerous. They beat NEC and Babson in the regular season, were tied with Middlebury and Norwich after 2 periods, were up by 1 on Amherst after two, lost to Trinity in OT and lost by 1 to Bowdoin. They generally come to play against the top teams (even if they haven't yet put together a successful third period when it's close against them). Goalie Andrew Ross has come on strong late in the season after returning to the net and can keep them in a game (see Norwich). I'm hoping that the latent scoring power that has been in evidence only a few times this year (against Castleton and NEC early on and Southern Maine in last weekend's playoff game) comes to the fore for the East tournament this weekend. So many good chances haven't gone in (two missed breakaways against Amherst, for example)—maybe it's time for some bounces . . .
Skidmore has had a wildly inconsistent year but if they're on they could be dangerous. They beat NEC and Babson in the regular season, were tied with Middlebury and Norwich after 2 periods, were up by 1 on Amherst after two, lost to Trinity in OT and lost by 1 to Bowdoin. They generally come to play against the top teams (even if they haven't yet put together a successful third period when it's close against them). Goalie Andrew Ross has come on strong late in the season after returning to the net and can keep them in a game (see Norwich). I'm hoping that the latent scoring power that has been in evidence only a few times this year (against Castleton and NEC early on and Southern Maine in last weekend's playoff game) comes to the fore for the East tournament this weekend. So many good chances haven't gone in (two missed breakaways against Amherst, for example)—maybe it's time for some bounces . . .
CROSBYNU63
GO CADETS
Re: Ecac East Playoffs
All the playoff games will be broadcast live on Fast Hockey at a charge of $6.99. The games will also be broadcast live on Cadets Radio at no charge.
All the playoff games will be broadcast live on Fast Hockey at a charge of $6.99. The games will also be broadcast live on Cadets Radio at no charge.
Old Rook NU'66
Registered User
Re: Ecac East Playoffs
Admitted this is indeed a short tournament and anything can happen.
That said, throughout the entire season the most serious "USCHOL thread chatter" about Norwich was that before each game there were always questions about which Cadet was the latest casualty reports. That was always followed by "post" from our fans wringing of hands with groans of doubt and anxiousness about how we would get through the next weekend without this player or that.
And of course in each game while sometimes firing one or two cylinders short--the Cadets kept getting the job done. In all but one game--those Cadets who did play, including the walking wounded, posted points in the ECAC standings.
I believe this weekend will be one of the first weekends where everyone (except one player lost early for the entire season) is healthy, fit and ready to play. Somehow I sense that now that all the cylinders are firing, the team has been tuned with up with their fast track style of play that has them scoring from every line and that is going to give them a wonderful edge regardless of which team they play. And just imagine any opposing coach telling their club (or most likely not telling them) that the Norwich team they are facing if finally at full strength and all healthy unlike the club they may have seen only a few weeks ago. Scary huh?
And finally, there is one other big edge. During the season, I spoke with a young hockey player who had played Norwich at Kreitzberg during an earlier ECAC playoff. He said the Cadet team they faced was superb--but the entire experience--the crowd, the Championship banners, etc. at the "Berg" was down right intimidating. In Northfield at the "Berg" maybe more than elsewhere--home ice does help
Can any thing happen in a short tourney? You bet. It happen last year--and we need no reminding of the UMB upset--but rather learn from it. And my money remains on Norwich to continue celebrating its 100 years of hockey in grand style.
ROLL CADETS! ROLL CADETS! ROLL!!
Admitted this is indeed a short tournament and anything can happen.
That said, throughout the entire season the most serious "USCHOL thread chatter" about Norwich was that before each game there were always questions about which Cadet was the latest casualty reports. That was always followed by "post" from our fans wringing of hands with groans of doubt and anxiousness about how we would get through the next weekend without this player or that.
And of course in each game while sometimes firing one or two cylinders short--the Cadets kept getting the job done. In all but one game--those Cadets who did play, including the walking wounded, posted points in the ECAC standings.
I believe this weekend will be one of the first weekends where everyone (except one player lost early for the entire season) is healthy, fit and ready to play. Somehow I sense that now that all the cylinders are firing, the team has been tuned with up with their fast track style of play that has them scoring from every line and that is going to give them a wonderful edge regardless of which team they play. And just imagine any opposing coach telling their club (or most likely not telling them) that the Norwich team they are facing if finally at full strength and all healthy unlike the club they may have seen only a few weeks ago. Scary huh?
And finally, there is one other big edge. During the season, I spoke with a young hockey player who had played Norwich at Kreitzberg during an earlier ECAC playoff. He said the Cadet team they faced was superb--but the entire experience--the crowd, the Championship banners, etc. at the "Berg" was down right intimidating. In Northfield at the "Berg" maybe more than elsewhere--home ice does help
Can any thing happen in a short tourney? You bet. It happen last year--and we need no reminding of the UMB upset--but rather learn from it. And my money remains on Norwich to continue celebrating its 100 years of hockey in grand style.
ROLL CADETS! ROLL CADETS! ROLL!!
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play by play
New member
Re: Ecac East Playoffs
It should be a good weekend of Hockey......my two cents.....
Norwich - How can argue with #1 in the country? By far the favorite on their home ice.
Babson - Last year's tournament winner, could be heading for an upset loss against Skidmore, if their late season trend continues and they are caught looking ahead to the Championship game.
Skidmore - Babson game is their "Gold Medal" game. Against Norwich, they won't have enough
NEC - Which team shows up? Inconsistent season likely ends with a valiant effort against Norwich.
It should be a good weekend of Hockey......my two cents.....
Norwich - How can argue with #1 in the country? By far the favorite on their home ice.
Babson - Last year's tournament winner, could be heading for an upset loss against Skidmore, if their late season trend continues and they are caught looking ahead to the Championship game.
Skidmore - Babson game is their "Gold Medal" game. Against Norwich, they won't have enough
NEC - Which team shows up? Inconsistent season likely ends with a valiant effort against Norwich.
Re: Ecac East Playoffs
Old Rook NU66 I like your summary of Norwich for this weekends games, however, I disagree that playing at Kreitzberg is much of an advantage other than its a large ice surface. My observation is other teams get up and always seem to play there A game at Kreitzberg. I think the opposing teams get very excited and play well before the bigest crowd most will see during the year.
Admitted this is indeed a short tournament and anything can happen.
That said, throughout the entire season the most serious "USCHOL thread chatter" about Norwich was that before each game there were always questions about which Cadet was the latest casualty reports. That was always followed by "post" from our fans wringing of hands with groans of doubt and anxiousness about how we would get through the next weekend without this player or that.
And of course in each game while sometimes firing one or two cylinders short--the Cadets kept getting the job done. In all but one game--those Cadets who did play, including the walking wounded, posted points in the ECAC standings.
I believe this weekend will be one of the first weekends where everyone (except one player lost early for the entire season) is healthy, fit and ready to play. Somehow I sense that now that all the cylinders are firing, the team has been tuned with up with their fast track style of play that has them scoring from every line and that is going to give them a wonderful edge regardless of which team they play. And just imagine any opposing coach telling their club (or most likely not telling them) that the Norwich team they are facing if finally at full strength and all healthy unlike the club they may have seen only a few weeks ago. Scary huh?
And finally, there is one other big edge. During the season, I spoke with a young hockey player who had played Norwich at Kreitzberg during an earlier ECAC playoff. He said the Cadet team they faced was superb--but the entire experience--the crowd, the Championship banners, etc. at the "Berg" was down right intimidating. In Northfield at the "Berg" maybe more than elsewhere--home ice does help
Can any thing happen in a short tourney? You bet. It happen last year--and we need no reminding of the UMB upset--but rather learn from it. And my money remains on Norwich to continue celebrating its 100 years of hockey in grand style.
ROLL CADETS! ROLL!
Old Rook NU66 I like your summary of Norwich for this weekends games, however, I disagree that playing at Kreitzberg is much of an advantage other than its a large ice surface. My observation is other teams get up and always seem to play there A game at Kreitzberg. I think the opposing teams get very excited and play well before the bigest crowd most will see during the year.
Re: Ecac East Playoffs
Looking forward to this weekend. One constant theme in all the games this year at Krietzberg has been the fact that the visiting teams end up looking really tired by the third period. The only times that didn't really happen were in the Primelink tie to Plattsburgh and the T-A tie to Potsdam. Other than that, teams have just run out of gas trying to keep up playing at the 'berg.
Hopefully that trend will continue. With a one and done format, you never know, but this is one of the best NU teams I've seen in a while.
Looking forward to this weekend. One constant theme in all the games this year at Krietzberg has been the fact that the visiting teams end up looking really tired by the third period. The only times that didn't really happen were in the Primelink tie to Plattsburgh and the T-A tie to Potsdam. Other than that, teams have just run out of gas trying to keep up playing at the 'berg.
Hopefully that trend will continue. With a one and done format, you never know, but this is one of the best NU teams I've seen in a while.
hockeyfan77
Registered User
Re: Ecac East Playoffs
If this player was indeed intimated by playing at Norwich then that player probably shouldn't have been playing...As a player, I would find nothing more exciting than shutting up the biggest crowd of the year...
And finally, there is one other big edge. During the season, I spoke with a young hockey player who had played Norwich at Kreitzberg during an earlier ECAC playoff. He said the Cadet team they faced was superb--but the entire experience--the crowd, the Championship banners, etc. at the "Berg" was down right intimidating. In Northfield at the "Berg" maybe more than elsewhere--home ice does help
ROLL CADETS! ROLL CADETS! ROLL!!
If this player was indeed intimated by playing at Norwich then that player probably shouldn't have been playing...As a player, I would find nothing more exciting than shutting up the biggest crowd of the year...
hockeyfan77
Registered User
Re: Ecac East Playoffs
Awesome to see fasthockey charge...Well, I guess this will be the first time in a while that I won't watch the ECAC Semi's and Final...Kind of disappointing IMO...Yes, I know that it's not Norwich's call it's the ECAC's... Oh well, I guess I will just listen, are all the games going to be on Cadets radio?? and if so could you please post a link...Thanks in advance...
Awesome to see fasthockey charge...Well, I guess this will be the first time in a while that I won't watch the ECAC Semi's and Final...Kind of disappointing IMO...Yes, I know that it's not Norwich's call it's the ECAC's... Oh well, I guess I will just listen, are all the games going to be on Cadets radio?? and if so could you please post a link...Thanks in advance...