Re: Games of 12/2 - The cast of Hamilton hates chickens! Are Bears for the Birds?
Haha, too many gems in there to respond to them individually, especially on this tiny mobile screen. Again, my point is that an historically elite program, after a "down" year plagued by injuries, appears to be "back", with an 8-1-1 start to the season.
And my point is, what is "back"? Back to the top of the Conference? Okay sure, maybe. Back to being above UMB/Babson (with all of their loses yea probably, again..congrats)...Back to the Kurtis Mclean / Keith Aucoin DIII Dominating program...jury is still WAY out.
People are judging the season on beating a mediocre UMB team and a Murray-Less Babson team.
Coming into the year, UMB and Babson were the "teams to beat" for Norwich to retake their place atop the conference. After a sweep, I think the fan base is excited about the prospects for the remainder of the year.
Based on last years results. Anyone who looked at what UMB loss, and knowing Murray was gone at Babson, combined with what Norwich was bringing back (healthy) would be almost a fool to think Norwich wouldn't be competing ahead of those two. And yes, I realize where UMB was picked at the start of the season, but 90% of the time pre-season polls are based on last years results, not what you have the upcoming season (I've addressed this before).
Again, if you want to be excited about being a top the NEHC, cool! But that's not Norwich. Just like Plattsburgh, Oswego, SNC, and probably Adrian now...goals are set higher. There is a reason why the SUNYAC Championship banners at the Stafford aren't much bigger than a piece of paper. So saying Norwich is "back" to that National standard with wins over a mediocre UMB team and Murray-Less Babson team is a little premature.
Your opinion is one thing. The fact is, on this board and in conversation, many people asked the question as to whether or not Norwich could "catch" UMB and Babson. I found that question absurd, based on the overall status of the program.
It is WAY beyond absurd to even think Norwich has been "passed", and that's my exact point. I am right with you 100%. Those same ones who were claiming that, are the first ones to jump back on the bandwagon now that Norwich has beaten a couple "good/great" teams from last year (key word last year). There is no passing Norwich, or any of the historic strong programs (except maybe Middlebury who has more issues that a coach).
Other teams have simply caught up. Having said that, people need to come to the realization that Norwich is no longer head and shoulders above everyone in their conference and you're going to get a loss here and there. Stay the ship, stay the course. Don't get too down on the loss, and don't get too high on the wins... Maybe is the coach in me and Coach Cliche 101, but I am not putting Norwich on the pedestal of DIII royalty until they've actually played someone. Skidmore was probably the best competition they've faced and how did that go? A tie with Endicott (okay I know they are not a cellar dweller but I wouldn't call them a contender, they did lose to Salve and Nichols) and an OT winner over 0-6 Middlebury....As I said, if and when Norwich shows something against higher caliber teams, I will say they are back to a DIII Powerhouse. They have yet to do it....
With all due respect, its somewhat like a Plattsburgh fan getting all excited and saying "we're back" after a 6-2 win over Potsdam. I mean Potsdam beat St.Mikes (something UMB couldn't do), beat Morisville (something UMB couldn't do) swap wins and ties with Castleton....so that must mean UMB is pretty close to the same level as Potsdam, but you don't see Cardinal fans getting all gitty over beating Potsdam.....
My post, while it certainly seemed personal, was not necessarily intended as such. It was more a reaction to your dismissive statements of a program which, in my opinion, on has earned a little bit more respect.
Respect for what? All the respect in the world doesn't change the results on the ice. Should we then give NCAA bids based on past performance? I am not dismissing Norwich. It's a "pump the breaks" until Norwich plays and beats someone. Saying UMB and Babson "are" someone is more of a discredit to the Norwich program. Those are teams (with the current teams roster and make up) SHOULD beat. Put a 6-2 whipping on Oswego in December...come to the Stafford and put a 6-2 shelling on Plattsbugh the following weekend (with Davies in net please god) and then head to Middlebury and do the same...maybe. 3-1 to start the semester will raise eyebrows (assuming the skate with Oswego). If they go 2-2....
Yes I have respect for most of the Norwich program. But my lack of respect has ZERO to do with the kids who put it out there every game on the ice. Some cheap stuff in years past, but that's hockey. This is nothing to do with respect, more laughter when people get their panties in a bunch when someone says "hey your team might not be as good as they seem" or "your team is just fine, suck it up and keep the course".....and then watching people bounce back and forth on and off the bandwagon.
People also forget that just because you don't think your team is going to win a National Championship and you can acknowledge flaws and or issues with your team, doesn't make you NOT a fan. I am a realists. Always have been. Tell it like it is, now how I hope it is or think it might be. I don't simply look at the score board and base my judgement off of a goal difference.
