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Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
I believe Wisconsin was the #3 overall, with BC being #4.
I believe Wisconsin was the #3 overall, with BC being #4.
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FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
- Thread starter ExileOnDaytonStreet
- Start date
ExileOnDaytonStreet
Drunkard
Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
Anyone else have the impression that perhaps there are attendence/TV reasons to put Wisconsin/RIT on the early game, assuming Michigan pulls off the upset of Miami? And if Miami wins, then perhaps they'll get the late game due to seeding reasons?
Plus, the Mich/Miami vs BC game will have the whole Boston media market thing going for it (even if every Bostonian alive will be following the Red Sox that weekend anyway).
I won't argue the fan base- I was very impressed with the RIT fans that I saw on TV this weekend.
But the facilities? Ritter might be great on AHA standards, and we all know that in college hockey its the fans that make the arena great. But even still, for the big boys Ritter looks no better than their practice rinks!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/Frank_Ritter_Memorial_Ice_Arena.jpg
Anyone else have the impression that perhaps there are attendence/TV reasons to put Wisconsin/RIT on the early game, assuming Michigan pulls off the upset of Miami? And if Miami wins, then perhaps they'll get the late game due to seeding reasons?
Plus, the Mich/Miami vs BC game will have the whole Boston media market thing going for it (even if every Bostonian alive will be following the Red Sox that weekend anyway).
I won't argue the fan base- I was very impressed with the RIT fans that I saw on TV this weekend.
But the facilities? Ritter might be great on AHA standards, and we all know that in college hockey its the fans that make the arena great. But even still, for the big boys Ritter looks no better than their practice rinks!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/Frank_Ritter_Memorial_Ice_Arena.jpg
Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
give us time.. I would think within 5-10 years, we will have facilities that rival some of the better ones.. granted the economy has slowed down progress towards funding for it but I am sure with the current success of our team, we can get the funding needed.. Just getting this far, RIT's athletic dept will get close to $500,000 just getting to the FF.. if we end up winning, I can see that number going up to around $1 million
give us time.. I would think within 5-10 years, we will have facilities that rival some of the better ones.. granted the economy has slowed down progress towards funding for it but I am sure with the current success of our team, we can get the funding needed.. Just getting this far, RIT's athletic dept will get close to $500,000 just getting to the FF.. if we end up winning, I can see that number going up to around $1 million
Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
The Ritter is very quickly getting outgrown. As an interim step before a new arena in a few years, new dressing rooms, offices, video, etc. are being added on the east side of the building with ground being broken shortly. That will bring the players' and coaches' accommodations up to a very high level.
But the atmosphere in the Ritter is fantastic and the facility's maintenance is first rate.
The Ritter is very quickly getting outgrown. As an interim step before a new arena in a few years, new dressing rooms, offices, video, etc. are being added on the east side of the building with ground being broken shortly. That will bring the players' and coaches' accommodations up to a very high level.
But the atmosphere in the Ritter is fantastic and the facility's maintenance is first rate.
Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
If I'm in RIT development, I'd be pounding the pavement a bit these next two weeks. It might suddenly be easier to find a well-off alumnus that would like to put her/his name on a new ice rink. It isn't a secret that RIT had plans drawn up for a new rink, but I heard the economy set that back a bit. But, I'd say there's suddenly more opportunity. And, RIT always plays a game or two downtown as a second home, and drew 7,400 this year on alumni weekend this year.
All of this leads to a primary point, that the RIT program is one that has plenty of room for future growth, and Wilson's tenure is significant. Of course, keeping two minds like Wilson and Hills together will be very difficult. But, if nothing else, the fact that their family's are as close as they are may help. That's not to say that the BG job isn't a threat (I think Wilson has a daughter that goes there).
And, on the Rochester talk, a stretch on E. Main (by the hotels/convention center) is beaten up due to a few planned projects that have caused disinvestment. But, there's pockets of progress, and the suburbs are strong (particularly the schools). Rochester isn't perfect, but there's more to it than what one who stays at the Hyatt/Radisson might think...
And, on topic, it should be an interesting game. Wisconsin will be an uphill battle for RIT, but I love the way RIT's defense has been playing. If they can keep it up, no one is going to be scoring a ton of goals on them. Will it be enough? Time will tell.
If I'm in RIT development, I'd be pounding the pavement a bit these next two weeks. It might suddenly be easier to find a well-off alumnus that would like to put her/his name on a new ice rink. It isn't a secret that RIT had plans drawn up for a new rink, but I heard the economy set that back a bit. But, I'd say there's suddenly more opportunity. And, RIT always plays a game or two downtown as a second home, and drew 7,400 this year on alumni weekend this year.
All of this leads to a primary point, that the RIT program is one that has plenty of room for future growth, and Wilson's tenure is significant. Of course, keeping two minds like Wilson and Hills together will be very difficult. But, if nothing else, the fact that their family's are as close as they are may help. That's not to say that the BG job isn't a threat (I think Wilson has a daughter that goes there).
And, on the Rochester talk, a stretch on E. Main (by the hotels/convention center) is beaten up due to a few planned projects that have caused disinvestment. But, there's pockets of progress, and the suburbs are strong (particularly the schools). Rochester isn't perfect, but there's more to it than what one who stays at the Hyatt/Radisson might think...
And, on topic, it should be an interesting game. Wisconsin will be an uphill battle for RIT, but I love the way RIT's defense has been playing. If they can keep it up, no one is going to be scoring a ton of goals on them. Will it be enough? Time will tell.
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Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
Huh? BC is the #4 overall seed, Wisconsin is the #3 overall seed.
Huh? BC is the #4 overall seed, Wisconsin is the #3 overall seed.
ExileOnDaytonStreet
Drunkard
Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
RIT certainly has the ability. I would imagine that your win over DU will be more indicative of what to expect than your shellacking and utter dismantling of UNH. Both UW and DU provide a lot more depth at forward and breakout ability from the defensemen. Of course I'm biased, but I'd venture to say that UW will be an even tougher challenge than DU in that regard, because I think our 3rd and 4th lines and our bottom D pairings are a lot better than what you'll find anywhere else in the nation.
RIT's success will have everything to do with how well they can shut that down. After this weekend, I'm convinced that they can do it to UW's top line and top defenders... how well will RIT's depth players do?
RIT certainly has the ability. I would imagine that your win over DU will be more indicative of what to expect than your shellacking and utter dismantling of UNH. Both UW and DU provide a lot more depth at forward and breakout ability from the defensemen. Of course I'm biased, but I'd venture to say that UW will be an even tougher challenge than DU in that regard, because I think our 3rd and 4th lines and our bottom D pairings are a lot better than what you'll find anywhere else in the nation.
RIT's success will have everything to do with how well they can shut that down. After this weekend, I'm convinced that they can do it to UW's top line and top defenders... how well will RIT's depth players do?
Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
Hey hey, some of us RIT people are from Syracuse.
What is he smoking?! Rochester is so much better than Syracuse. The cities themselves are ok but the Rochester metro area is way nicer.
On another note I find it interesting when people refer to RIT as if they are some tiny unknown school. Sure their athletics program isn't well known but I don't think you can say the same about the school itself considering. We have about 15,000 students...it's no state school but it is probably more than about 2/3 (or at least 1/2) of DI hockey teams.
I'm pretty confident about our depth, at least offensively. We don't really have any go-to guys, everyone seems to be contributing this year. In previous years I know we (the fans) would look for certain people in key situations but this year I feel good no matter who has the puck. I'm not sure how we will match up against Wisconsin but I know one thing we won't have to worry about is not having enough depth. Skill and experience wise I'm not sure how we will match up but after what I saw this past weekend I think we have a good shot.
I'll keep out of the "best places to live" argument ... but I wouldn't trust any comparisons coming from a Syracuse native!
Hey hey, some of us RIT people are from Syracuse.
What is he smoking?! Rochester is so much better than Syracuse. The cities themselves are ok but the Rochester metro area is way nicer.
On another note I find it interesting when people refer to RIT as if they are some tiny unknown school. Sure their athletics program isn't well known but I don't think you can say the same about the school itself considering. We have about 15,000 students...it's no state school but it is probably more than about 2/3 (or at least 1/2) of DI hockey teams.
I'm pretty confident about our depth, at least offensively. We don't really have any go-to guys, everyone seems to be contributing this year. In previous years I know we (the fans) would look for certain people in key situations but this year I feel good no matter who has the puck. I'm not sure how we will match up against Wisconsin but I know one thing we won't have to worry about is not having enough depth. Skill and experience wise I'm not sure how we will match up but after what I saw this past weekend I think we have a good shot.
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Pucky-Bucky Backer
Registered User
Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
My bad, I transposed "top" and "remaining" to read it as the only top seed left.
My bad, I transposed "top" and "remaining" to read it as the only top seed left.
superfan11
New member
Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
the seeding has nothing to do with the game times at the frozen four the ncaa simply does what it wants just like basketball when carolina or duke go to the final four they ALWAYS play the late game... that's not an accident, more people watch whether they love em or hate em.
.... its all about tv and attendance/home crowd... prolly a heavier emphasis on tv, however, in 2006 wisconsin played maine in the late game in milwaukee and bc-ndakota was the early game, which helped a lot for atmosphere...plus gave the whole sea of wisconsin red extra hours to "prepare" for the game in milwaukee's finest german taverns hahaha.
since 2000 the highest remaining seed at the frozen four has played the early game 4 times and the late game 7 times.... the only time i remember the ncaa sticking a close to home team with the early game was cornell in buffalo in 03, but with minnesota playing michigan in the other semi (and unh being cornell's opponent) it's not tough to see why.
and like bemidji st last year, u had to know that once RIT advanced, the only way they'd be playing the late game was if yale and miami both won today, but once bc won it didnt matter who won the miami-michigan game cuz it'd be the more marquee matchup so to speak.
the seeding has nothing to do with the game times at the frozen four the ncaa simply does what it wants just like basketball when carolina or duke go to the final four they ALWAYS play the late game... that's not an accident, more people watch whether they love em or hate em.
.... its all about tv and attendance/home crowd... prolly a heavier emphasis on tv, however, in 2006 wisconsin played maine in the late game in milwaukee and bc-ndakota was the early game, which helped a lot for atmosphere...plus gave the whole sea of wisconsin red extra hours to "prepare" for the game in milwaukee's finest german taverns hahaha.
since 2000 the highest remaining seed at the frozen four has played the early game 4 times and the late game 7 times.... the only time i remember the ncaa sticking a close to home team with the early game was cornell in buffalo in 03, but with minnesota playing michigan in the other semi (and unh being cornell's opponent) it's not tough to see why.
and like bemidji st last year, u had to know that once RIT advanced, the only way they'd be playing the late game was if yale and miami both won today, but once bc won it didnt matter who won the miami-michigan game cuz it'd be the more marquee matchup so to speak.
Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
There's more to facilities than just the size of the rink. =)
Powers &8^]
There's more to facilities than just the size of the rink. =)
Powers &8^]
hockeyjunkie10
New member
Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
Thanks, Powers, for helping me clarify that. The rink itself is a small bowl, with all the bells and whistles of any other arena. The small size makes it cozier, but also gives credence to the fact that its not up there with Wisconsin, for example. When I said facilitites, I meant the entire building and not just the rink. Although the rink is perfect for the atmosphere, it is not a stand alone building. Under the rink are some good sized hockey offices, and the building houses a gym (or two), and even a giant bar/pool hall. So, to the genteman's point about the rink being good for AHA standards, that is true, but the facilities and infrastructure to build from at RIT is top notch.
Thanks, Powers, for helping me clarify that. The rink itself is a small bowl, with all the bells and whistles of any other arena. The small size makes it cozier, but also gives credence to the fact that its not up there with Wisconsin, for example. When I said facilitites, I meant the entire building and not just the rink. Although the rink is perfect for the atmosphere, it is not a stand alone building. Under the rink are some good sized hockey offices, and the building houses a gym (or two), and even a giant bar/pool hall. So, to the genteman's point about the rink being good for AHA standards, that is true, but the facilities and infrastructure to build from at RIT is top notch.
Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
I could be wrong (I often am...just ask my wife), but the matchups and times are determined when the bracket is set regardless of who, what, or where ends up in the F4. The winner of the West region was playing the winner of the East region in the early game no matter what. Had the seeds held true, #2 (DU) vs #3 (UW) was the early game and #1 (Miami) vs #4 (BC) was to be the nightcap. RIT spoiled the party or made it more interesting with an "underdog" for the majority of the attendees to rally behind.
I could be wrong (I often am...just ask my wife), but the matchups and times are determined when the bracket is set regardless of who, what, or where ends up in the F4. The winner of the West region was playing the winner of the East region in the early game no matter what. Had the seeds held true, #2 (DU) vs #3 (UW) was the early game and #1 (Miami) vs #4 (BC) was to be the nightcap. RIT spoiled the party or made it more interesting with an "underdog" for the majority of the attendees to rally behind.
ZamboniDude
I used to have more posts...
Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
From someone who saw all 3 games in Albany, I'd say you're right on target here. I would expect the RIT/Wisconsin game to look a lot like the RIT/Denver game, with the Wisconsin pressure coming in waves across all lines. Denver did the same (as evidenced by 15-ish shots from their top line forwards and 40 shots overall as a team), but RIT was able to keep most of the Denver play out on the perimeter of the offensive zone. The shots were numerous but not as many quality shots as Denver probably expected to get. Denver players were visibly frustrated (i.e. smashing sticks on ice and shaking heads) in the 2nd and 3rd periods as they continued to pour longer range shots at the net but DiMichiel was steady and the defense took decent care of rebounds.
DiMichiel will have to be red hot again vs Wisconsin and RIT will have to convert any odd man chances they get in order to win. I've only seen one Wisconsin game and one Denver game, but im my opinion, Wisconsin looks more talented than Denver. I expect them to ring up 30-40 shots like Denver did.
I don't think Cornell looked good at all offensively, and they didn't really expose UNH defensively or goaltending-wise. In the RIT/UNH game, when RIT scored their 2nd goal to go up 2-1, I think UNH was shocked a bit that they were behind again, and they were having trouble generating quality chances and solving DiMichiel. It may have been surprising to them that RIT was so aggressive in transition play and kept coming offensively, and suddenly UNH imploded for 90 seconds and it was 4-1. They suffered breakdowns defensively and goaltending-wise and I would not expect Wisconsin to do the same.
Everyone I've spoken with who saw those 3 games seems to agree on a few points:
- RIT scoring first in both games was huge. If they score first against Wisconsin, its a different game than if Wisconsin gets ahead early.
- DiMichiel is playing with a very high level of confidence, as is the RIT defense, and this gives the confidence to the RIT forwards to pressure heavily and really generate chances as they transition out of their own zone. They actually had a lot of odd man rushes vs Denver (which I didn't expect to see against Denver), but didn't convert them. They will need to convert those against Wisconsin.
- When Wisconsin sets up in the RIT zone, RIT will go to great lengths to keep the middle clear and force everything along the boards and to the point. How Wisconsin reacts to that and generates chances anyway will be important. I think both Denver and UNH players made reference to this as the "RIT system" in the post game interviews. Denver did not react well to this tactic, and UNH seemed to do a better job handling this before the 3 goal outburst killed them mentally.
- RIT is a 4 seed but they clearly don't care about seedings or PWR. They keep coming and coming. So, if Wisconsin forgets the seeding thing and the perceived talent disparity and just treats RIT as they would any other equally skilled opponent, it will serve them well. Denver got sloppy with the puck at times, almost as if they didn't think RIT could capitalize, and they did (first goal). Bobby Butler from UNH made reference to RIT having the skill to bury your mistakes if you make them.
Should be a great game. Looking forward to it.
From someone who saw all 3 games in Albany, I'd say you're right on target here. I would expect the RIT/Wisconsin game to look a lot like the RIT/Denver game, with the Wisconsin pressure coming in waves across all lines. Denver did the same (as evidenced by 15-ish shots from their top line forwards and 40 shots overall as a team), but RIT was able to keep most of the Denver play out on the perimeter of the offensive zone. The shots were numerous but not as many quality shots as Denver probably expected to get. Denver players were visibly frustrated (i.e. smashing sticks on ice and shaking heads) in the 2nd and 3rd periods as they continued to pour longer range shots at the net but DiMichiel was steady and the defense took decent care of rebounds.
DiMichiel will have to be red hot again vs Wisconsin and RIT will have to convert any odd man chances they get in order to win. I've only seen one Wisconsin game and one Denver game, but im my opinion, Wisconsin looks more talented than Denver. I expect them to ring up 30-40 shots like Denver did.
I don't think Cornell looked good at all offensively, and they didn't really expose UNH defensively or goaltending-wise. In the RIT/UNH game, when RIT scored their 2nd goal to go up 2-1, I think UNH was shocked a bit that they were behind again, and they were having trouble generating quality chances and solving DiMichiel. It may have been surprising to them that RIT was so aggressive in transition play and kept coming offensively, and suddenly UNH imploded for 90 seconds and it was 4-1. They suffered breakdowns defensively and goaltending-wise and I would not expect Wisconsin to do the same.
Everyone I've spoken with who saw those 3 games seems to agree on a few points:
- RIT scoring first in both games was huge. If they score first against Wisconsin, its a different game than if Wisconsin gets ahead early.
- DiMichiel is playing with a very high level of confidence, as is the RIT defense, and this gives the confidence to the RIT forwards to pressure heavily and really generate chances as they transition out of their own zone. They actually had a lot of odd man rushes vs Denver (which I didn't expect to see against Denver), but didn't convert them. They will need to convert those against Wisconsin.
- When Wisconsin sets up in the RIT zone, RIT will go to great lengths to keep the middle clear and force everything along the boards and to the point. How Wisconsin reacts to that and generates chances anyway will be important. I think both Denver and UNH players made reference to this as the "RIT system" in the post game interviews. Denver did not react well to this tactic, and UNH seemed to do a better job handling this before the 3 goal outburst killed them mentally.
- RIT is a 4 seed but they clearly don't care about seedings or PWR. They keep coming and coming. So, if Wisconsin forgets the seeding thing and the perceived talent disparity and just treats RIT as they would any other equally skilled opponent, it will serve them well. Denver got sloppy with the puck at times, almost as if they didn't think RIT could capitalize, and they did (first goal). Bobby Butler from UNH made reference to RIT having the skill to bury your mistakes if you make them.
Should be a great game. Looking forward to it.
Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
The defensive depth wiill certainly be tested. I thought they would more against UNH than they would against Denver since I thought UNH had more scoring depth. The dynamic duo of Ringwald and Tanev will be counted on plenty against the Badger top lines, but we will need Haltigan, Mazur, Spevak, and Seracino to step it up as well.
The defensive depth wiill certainly be tested. I thought they would more against UNH than they would against Denver since I thought UNH had more scoring depth. The dynamic duo of Ringwald and Tanev will be counted on plenty against the Badger top lines, but we will need Haltigan, Mazur, Spevak, and Seracino to step it up as well.
Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
The thing i think RIT has above them maybe is team Chemistry and possibly Experience (age). The Tigers rarely lose players early, and with all players over 20, it could work to their advantage.
The Badgers are playing real well right now, and RIT will likely have to play a spotless game and use their aggressiveness and transition to have a chance.
All i Know is that there are a lot of People in Madison saying RIT? Just like Coach Eaves last night on Mich/Miami said. They dont know much about them.
Ah, my two teams meeting in the frozen four.... Will be in Rochester this week, then be up in Madison for the final games next. Either way, i will be sporting my Tigers Jersey in Madison May make a trip down Regent street. No doubt, I will be sporting something Badger related underneath just in case...
and as a side note, Rochester is not the dump many of you claim to know....
I will say that both teams are pretty solid from top to bottom. Obviously, UW has more top end Talent, but from what i gathered, their goaltending is pretty shaky, and has been the Achilles this season.
The thing i think RIT has above them maybe is team Chemistry and possibly Experience (age). The Tigers rarely lose players early, and with all players over 20, it could work to their advantage.
The Badgers are playing real well right now, and RIT will likely have to play a spotless game and use their aggressiveness and transition to have a chance.
All i Know is that there are a lot of People in Madison saying RIT? Just like Coach Eaves last night on Mich/Miami said. They dont know much about them.
Ah, my two teams meeting in the frozen four.... Will be in Rochester this week, then be up in Madison for the final games next. Either way, i will be sporting my Tigers Jersey in Madison May make a trip down Regent street. No doubt, I will be sporting something Badger related underneath just in case...
and as a side note, Rochester is not the dump many of you claim to know....
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Chris Lerch
Renaissance Man
Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
Excellent analysis. Very well done and IMHO on the mark.
Excellent analysis. Very well done and IMHO on the mark.
Russell Jaslow
Registered User
Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
You're wrong.
The official bracket published by the NCAA at the start of the tournament lists the start time for each semifinal as "5 or 8:30 p.m."
That certainly indicates the times are not predetermined and are based on who actually plays in each respective semifinal.
You're wrong.
The official bracket published by the NCAA at the start of the tournament lists the start time for each semifinal as "5 or 8:30 p.m."
That certainly indicates the times are not predetermined and are based on who actually plays in each respective semifinal.
Russell Jaslow
Registered User
Re: FFFF Semi (4/8): Wisconsin vs. RIT
ESPN2 for the semifinals.
ESPN for the championship game.
ESPN2 for the semifinals.
ESPN for the championship game.