Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

[alslammerz]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

"fearless/reckless" = a nice way of saying Dirty.

Not really. I'd consider myself fearless/reckless because I threw my body in front of any shot, I always invited the hit from the other player if it would give me a more open passing lane, and many times I was willing to go against the bigger players even if they completely ran me over. But as for dirty - well, I think I had about 15-20 minors total over 15 years of playing. And they were usual trips, hooks or interferences where I needed to commit a penalty to make up for my lack of talent.

 

[CrossCheck]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

Not really. I'd consider myself fearless/reckless because I threw my body in front of any shot, I always invited the hit from the other player if it would give me a more open passing lane, and many times I was willing to go against the bigger players even if they completely ran me over. But as for dirty - well, I think I had about 15-20 minors total over 15 years of playing. And they were usual trips, hooks or interferences where I needed to commit a penalty to make up for my lack of talent.

I didn't realize they were talking about your fab game there, chief.

 

[HockeyEast33]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

Not really. I'd consider myself fearless/reckless because I threw my body in front of any shot, I always invited the hit from the other player if it would give me a more open passing lane, and many times I was willing to go against the bigger players even if they completely ran me over. But as for dirty - well, I think I had about 15-20 minors total over 15 years of playing. And they were usual trips, hooks or interferences where I needed to commit a penalty to make up for my lack of talent.

Well, I won't weigh in on the definition of "dirty player", but Daniels had WAY more penalties then you did (including at least one game misconduct I personally witnessed that put the other girl in the hospital) and she started her college career off with a 5 minute major for an elbow to the head in the second period of an exhibition game. Do with that what you will.

 

[HockeyEast33]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

F: Reber, Crowe, D'Oench; Parker (M), Daniels, McDonald; Crugnale, Harvey, Frazer.
D: Edney, Parker (E); Gedman, Mastel.
Everyone saw some ice-time.

Huh - so, did Rachlin and White play? Together?

 

[COLD AS ICE]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

Huh - so, did Rachlin and White play? Together?

Rachlin just cleared to play last week after her shoulder surgery. She played as 5th d, and rotated through playing with other 4 D all 3 periods.
White had 2 shifts during the scrimmage, and Frazier had 1 shift on D. Rachlin and White never played as a pair.

 

[PuckRush]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

Well, I won't weigh in on the definition of "dirty player", but Daniels had WAY more penalties then you did (including at least one game misconduct I personally witnessed that put the other girl in the hospital) and she started her college career off with a 5 minute major for an elbow to the head in the second period of an exhibition game. Do with that what you will.

I witnessed many of Syd Daniels games as I had kids playing against her when she was at Westminster (prep) and playing for Assabet (travel team). I saw my kids having to deal with a great player. But the best info I have on her comes from the witnesses on the ice (i.e the players). The first word from my girls and their teammates about her was always complimentary... like: "Syd Daniels is soooo good" or "She had a sick shot in our game" or "I tried to stop her from going to the net but she made an unbelievable move and got a shot off". There were secondary comments from time to time on her aggressive (and maybe even a little dirty) play, but that was not the overriding descriptor of her.

I don't have a kid at Harvard, I don't know Syd personally (I have met her father), nor do I have a horse in this race (full disclosure - my daughter will have to face her again this year!), but I do want to report what I know given that we're talking about an 18 year old (approx) girl who has yet to play a college game.

I do also want to shout out to you Harvard fans and tell you that my sense from watching both Syd Daniels and Briana Mastel play a lot, that you have 2 high impact freshman coming on your squad. I personally think there will be many accolades bestowed upon both of these players throughout their career. Congrats on getting them. In my opinion... Harvard is probably ranked lower than they will finish and that's because the pollsters don't know these incoming players well enough.

 

[HockeyEast33]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

I witnessed many of Syd Daniels games as I had kids playing against her when she was at Westminster (prep) and playing for Assabet (travel team). I saw my kids having to deal with a great player. But the best info I have on her comes from the witnesses on the ice (i.e the players). The first word from my girls and their teammates about her was always complimentary... like: "Syd Daniels is soooo good" or "She had a sick shot in our game" or "I tried to stop her from going to the net but she made an unbelievable move and got a shot off". There were secondary comments from time to time on her aggressive (and maybe even a little dirty) play, but that was not the overriding descriptor of her.

I don't have a kid at Harvard, I don't know Syd personally (I have met her father), nor do I have a horse in this race (full disclosure - my daughter will have to face her again this year!), but I do want to report what I know given that we're talking about an 18 year old (approx) girl who has yet to play a college game.

I do also want to shout out to you Harvard fans and tell you that my sense from watching both Syd Daniels and Briana Mastel play a lot, that you have 2 high impact freshman coming on your squad. I personally think there will be many accolades bestowed upon both of these players throughout their career. Congrats on getting them. In my opinion... Harvard is probably ranked lower than they will finish and that's because the pollsters don't know these incoming players well enough.

Daniels is a talented player, there is no doubt about that and I don't know many (if any) that would disagree. My experience in the group of folks you describe is that the feelings about the style and nature of her play are far stronger than you describe. In the end, her play at Harvard will define the truth. In the exhibition, you got the good (a goal) and the not-so-good (5 minute major for elbow to the head). Time will tell.

 

[HockeyEast33]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

Rachlin just cleared to play last week after her shoulder surgery. She played as 5th d, and rotated through playing with other 4 D all 3 periods.
White had 2 shifts during the scrimmage, and Frazier had 1 shift on D. Rachlin and White never played as a pair.

Right - forgot about the injury at Nationals. Those shoulder injuries are nasty and take a long time to heal/rehab. Good luck to her!

 

[alslammerz]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

I didn't realize they were talking about your fab game there, chief.

My point was that you can't take the words fearless/reckless and say that means dirty. Believe me, my game isn't fab and ain't worth talking about otherwise.

Well, I won't weigh in on the definition of "dirty player", but Daniels had WAY more penalties then you did (including at least one game misconduct I personally witnessed that put the other girl in the hospital) and she started her college career off with a 5 minute major for an elbow to the head in the second period of an exhibition game. Do with that what you will.

Never said she wasn't dirty or was. Just said fearless/reckless doesn't = dirty.

 

[PuckRush]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

Daniels is a talented player, there is no doubt about that and I don't know many (if any) that would disagree. My experience in the group of folks you describe is that the feelings about the style and nature of her play are far stronger than you describe. In the end, her play at Harvard will define the truth. In the exhibition, you got the good (a goal) and the not-so-good (5 minute major for elbow to the head). Time will tell.

It's all perception so you may be right about what most players think. I remember when I was 18... long time ago... but I wouldn't want to be responsible now for my actions then! So I give all these kids a pass when it comes to how they play hockey. My optimistic nature is that lessons are learned and they grow and get better (as players and people).

 

[Hux]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

Daniels is a talented player, there is no doubt about that and I don't know many (if any) that would disagree. My experience in the group of folks you describe is that the feelings about the style and nature of her play are far stronger than you describe. In the end, her play at Harvard will define the truth. In the exhibition, you got the good (a goal) and the not-so-good (5 minute major for elbow to the head). Time will tell.

I've been watching her play since her days in NEWHL. I would not call her dirty. Gritty yes, dirty no.

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

Right - forgot about the injury at Nationals. Those shoulder injuries are nasty and take a long time to heal/rehab. Good luck to her!

Harvard's depth is thin enough this year without more injuries. Hopefully she can play through it.

I'll say this. I hope that Crowell will play the entire roster and give meaningful minutes to everyone. Time to stop giving heavy minutes to a few players and make everyone feel like they are contributing. If not this year, when?

 

[CrossCheck]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

I've been watching her play since her days in NEWHL. I would not call her dirty. Gritty yes, dirty no.

When you seek out the smallest defenceman on the ice, who doesn't have the puck, and who has her back turned, and you run her head-first into the boards [concussion, out for a month]...IDK, call me old-fashioned, but in my book, that's dirty not gritty.

 

[Mission]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

Was looking at this years roster on-line and I noticed that Abby Harris who was a D on the team last season was not listed. Injured, transfer, any insight??

 

[Veritas]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

Was looking at this years roster on-line and I noticed that Abby Harris who was a D on the team last season was not listed. Injured, transfer, any insight??

No idea on Abby Harris, As to others among the missing I was chatting with some team parents at the game today. It appears that Armstrong is taking the year off due to a concussion at the end of last season

I understand that Molly Tissenbaum is also taking a year off due to a non-hockey concussion (car accident according to what I was told). I thing she was only in 2 or 3 games last year but did well in goal as I recall.

One happy note re concussions. I was talking to Josie Pucci tonight. She looks great and says she feel great and is training with Team USA now. A really nice kid and I was happy to hear she is OK, her dad was there and very happy with how she is doing. Lyndsey Fry was at the game also.

I read the comments about Sydney Daniels. I had not read the comments before I saw her play tonight and against McGill and my characterization would be that she is very energetic and works very hard to get into the play and to the puck. As to her major against McGill it was a major for elbowing, not for contact to the head - elbowing. I happened to be sitting next to the ESAC supervisor at that game and asked about the distinction on that penalty. He said if the on-ice official had called it for elbow to the head a misconduct plus the major would be the minimum and if head contact appeared deliberate it would be a DQ.

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

Some random thoughts about yesterday's game while wondering why Middlebrooks had to lift his legs to cause the obstruction. '75 all over again.

First and most importantly, Harvard has some major issues on defense. Allowing 44 shots on goal to a Princeton team that albeit is better than last year's team is simply ridiculous. Especially in your own building. Harvard had problems clearing in front of Maschmeyer and allowed Princeton to get too many good looks for shots on goal (at least 12 to 15 dead on shots that Maschmeyer had to stop). Three times a Princeton player was left alone in front with no defender around her. Unacceptable. Yes, I get that the D is young and it's still early. But good teams are going to cash in those opportunities and Harvard needs to be so much better in their own zone.

Second, Harvard five on five looks mediocre. No forecheck to speak of and does anyone practice shooting on goal anymore? My God, I can't remember a team missing the net so many times. Hate to say it but the third line was Harvard's best line. Dylan Crugnale and Sam Reber were the best forwards with Mary Parker not far behind. But they could generate little pressure five on five and if that doesn't change, it will be a long season.

On a more positive note, the power play looked great and it was especially gratifying to see Crimson forwards crashing the net to create rebounds. Just wish they would do more of that five on five instead of that endless cycle that goes nowhere.

Sarah Edney is going to be gassed by February if she keeps playing major minutes. If Crowell were smart, she would use her entire roster and forget about wins and losses. This is a bridge year at best; Harvard isn't going to the Frozen Four with this roster and their #7 ranking is too high at this point. And while it is great to see Marissa Gedman back in action, the knee injury has taken its toll on her. She doesn't look 100% healthy and is moving like a statue out there. Perhaps by January she will be more into the flow but for now, it's painful to watch her move around out there. Princeton targeted Gedman and Brianna Mastel consistently and their forwards were continually skating around and by both Harvard D.

Maschmeyer at this point is Harvard's best player. You can see why she was so highly touted. She was square to the shooter all afternoon and left no rebounds for Princeton to pounce on. She was confident and moving side to side with ease. My hope for her is that Harvard's D tightens up and cuts down on the number of shots on goal.

Good to see Jo Pucci and Katey Stone at the game yesterday. They both look great; Pucci is feeling 100% and is hopeful of going to Sochi. Next year's team should be awesome.

 

[ARM]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

And while it is great to see Marissa Gedman back in action, the knee injury has taken its toll on her.

Her injury last year was reported as a rupturing of the Achilles tendon; is that incorrect?

 

[Hux]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

Her injury last year was reported as a rupturing of the Achilles tendon; is that incorrect?

That was indeed her injury, good sir.

 

[Eeyore]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

Harvard isn't going to the Frozen Four with this roster and their #7 ranking is too high at this point.

While I can sympathize, the problem is finding seven teams that I want to rank higher.

 

[driventoit]

Re: Harvard Crimson 2013-2014

Yes, I get that the D is young and it's still early. .

Do you? Then why go on? You can't have it both ways at this point in the schedule. And if you're going to rank lines and forwards after two games into the season, see if you can find #19, who is all over the ice. More watching . . . less carping.