Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

[Watson Rink]

Thumb-twiddling

Thumb-twiddling

Thinking it's not so bad to have one of Bellamy and Maschmeyer sitting on the bench every game twiddling her thumbs, I'm reminded that years ago I watched Joey Bertagna, when given the rest of the night off after Harvard had built an insurmountable lead, thumbing through a stack of bubblegum hockey cards on the bench. Whether he had stashed them with the water bottles, or had secreted them somewhere about his person while on the ice, I've never known. So if the Commish happens to read this post....please 'fess up and describe where the cards came from!

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

You're reading the stats wrong. I watched the game, and Maschmeyer was only challenged a handful of times. The Crimson blocked a lot of shots. I think they'd have won that game with either goalie.

Right. My bad. Better re-visit my prescription.

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

Katey Stone was not very happy with her team's effort.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LeU1UBM5vAY

Well it is refreshing to see and hear a coach not shy away from publicly questioning her team's effort. And this is after back to back wins against two quality opponents no less. Hopefully they have corrected the mistakes and will be ready for tonight's game against the Green.

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

"How happy could I be with either/were t'other dear charmer away/but if you still tease me together/to neither a word I will say" -- Captain Macheath (Mack the knife) in The Beggar's Opera (1727).

What a luxury to be vacillating between two excellent goaltenders! If we were to get down into the weeds of parsing the statistics, we'd see that Katey has given Maschmeyer a whopping 41 seconds more ice time whereas Bellamy's save percentage outshines Maschmeyer's by an enormous
.002; both have an 0.75 GAA (insert smily face for irony). In terms of difficulty of schedule, Maschmeyer has played Cornell and NU while Bellamy has played BU and Quinny, so a bit more of a challenge for Maschmeyer, but if the current Friday/Saturday alternation continues, Bellamy will draw Dartmouth and Providence while Maschmeyer faces UNH and the Russian exhibition team, so for the first half of the season their degree of difficulty would end up being pretty much identical.

If I were in Katey's shoes, I suspect I'd just continue with the current rotation until illness or injury cropped up, or one goalie proved to be clearly more effective. Four games apiece isn't a very large statistical sample.

I don't know that I necessarily agree. True, it is a small sample and we don't know yet what Maschmeyer can do over the course of one full season. But so far I'd say that she is the one I would go with in a big game and that includes tonight versus the Green. Bellamy has been so-so against Dartmouth; better up at Thompson than at Bright interestingly enough. I just think that we should see what Maschmeyer can do against quality opposition. Keep rotating them but use Maschmeyer for games against BC, Cornell, Clarkson, etc...

 

[alslammerz]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

Not at game but Bellamy is in net. Shots are 10-3 Harvard with 3 to go in 1st and they lead 3-0. And Dartmouth got its first shot while I was typing this.

Edit to add: Looking forward to the Russia game tomorrow afternoon. Planning on wandering over after a half of the men's hoop-ty game against the Rose Hill Rams.

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

Well from what happened tonight, I'd say Katey's message to her team got through loud and clear. From the moment the puck dropped until the end of the game, Harvard blew Dartmouth out of the building. Were it not for a slew of penalties in the second period, the score might have been worse. And don't be fooled by the shot totals. This game was not nearly as close as the final shot tally. You can again thank the bozos that refereed this game for their incompetence and singular desire to keep Dartmouth in the game.

Where to begin. Harvard played great in all three phases of the game. What was most impressive was how they took away the neutral zone and forced Dartmouth into poor outlet passes and almost no opportunities for transition. I don't think Dartmouth got one odd woman rush the entire evening. Heck, they got their first shot on goal with 1:50 left in the first period. They simply couldn't deal with Harvard's speed and ferocious puck attack which was relentless all night.

Every Crimson goal was a thing of beauty. Jillian Dempsey got things started when she broke up a Dartmouth breakout at the Green blue line, broke in alone, was stuffed by Lindsey Holdcroft but got enough of a shot to force a rebound that Lyndsey Fry buried to make it 1-0. Shortly thereafter, Harvard got a PP opportunity and in eight seconds, tic tac toe, Fry teed up a shot just inside the blue line and lasered it past Holdcroft. The third goal was a result of hard work by the increasingly impressive third line with Samantha Reber circling behind the net and threading a pass to the left post where Hilary Crowe was positioned perfectly to bang it into an empty net.

The second period is when the trouble started. Dartmouth decided to get chippy and Harvard lost its composure and disciplined play. The penalties piled up with Dartmouth getting a 5-3 at one point. Here is where Bellamy stood tall. She made at least four or five beautiful saves to rob the Green of great scoring opportunities and keep them off the board. This is the best game I've seen Bellamy play since her freshman year when she stoned Dartmouth at Thompson. Once Harvard got back to full strength, Jillian Dempsey took a great feed from Lyndsey Fry and potted the Crimson's fourth goal.

The third period was more of the same with more dumb penalties and two more Harvard goals. Gina MacDonald scored on a shorthanded breakaway to finish the scoring and then it was a matter of protecting the shutout (which the refs did everything in their power to deny Harvard but it didn't work).

The last time I can remember Harvard so thoroughly dominating Dartmouth was in the '08 NCAA quarterfinal game at Bright. We did much the same to the Green that day as we did tonight. Our wheels were going all night. The D was immense. Edney, Picard and Romatoski played major minutes with all the penalties and they did an awesome job of shutting down Dartmouth's forwards. We moved the puck so quickly that Dartmouth didn't have a chance to get their forecheck going.

I don't think that Dartmouth is as bad as tonight's score indicates. They just ran into a buzzsaw. But what is puzzling is that Dartmouth has experience with seven seniors and you would think they would have made this a tighter game. They certainly got the benefit of some questionable calls and got away with four or five clear penalties that were not called on them. But Harvard just kept coming after them shift after shift and in the end, the Green seemed disorganized and gassed.

One last note. Camille Dumais of Dartmouth was injured pretty badly tonight in the second period. It looked like an injury to her sternum but I can't be sure because I didn't see it happen. She was bent over clutching her chest and crying buckets as they helped her off the ice. Really feel bad for her and I hope the injury isn't serious. You never want to see a player on either team get hurt. Hope that she recovers soon.

Bring on Providence and UNH next week after Mother Russia invades Bright tomorrow afternoon. Should be fun.

 

[OnMAA]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

Well it is refreshing to see and hear a coach not shy away from publicly questioning her team's effort. And this is after back to back wins against two quality opponents no less. Hopefully they have corrected the mistakes and will be ready for tonight's game against the Green.

Looks like they got the message. BTW....Skate79.....Maybe it was your post after the Colgate game that got it all started. .

P.S....Clearly, Colgate is not to be underestimated considering what they pulled off in Potsdam today.

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

Looks like they got the message. BTW....Skate79.....Maybe it was your post after the Colgate game that got it all started. .

P.S....Clearly, Colgate is not to be underestimated considering what they pulled off in Potsdam today.

Very true. I did underestimate them. I spoke with Lindsey Holdcroft's mom on Friday evening and she said the team was surprised by how tough Colgate played them. I'm guessing that after getting shellacked by Cornell, the Raiders' coaches were less than pleased and communicated that message to the team. That message has obviously been received and understood. Just goes to show that you can't a night off and expect a waltz in the park. Unless you are playing Maine perhaps?

 

[ARM]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

Just goes to show that you can't a night off and expect a waltz in the park. Unless you are playing Maine perhaps?

No, I think the game has evolved to the point that a team that goes into any game feeling like they can just show up and win will find itself getting mugged on the dance floor. Maine doesn't have the talent this season to win on a consistent basis, but they have the potential to score a few goals if given the opportunity, and a goalie that can steal a game if she gets a little support. And if a top team does lose such a game, it now has to carry around a loss versus an opponent that all the other contenders are beating.

 

[Veritas]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

I just noticed this thread here about ticket prices. I have season tickets so do not notice prices for single tickets but was surprised to read how high Harvard prices are compared with the other schools prices mentioned in the thread.

http://board.uscho.com/showthread.php?102192-Ticket-Prices-Are-any-as-outrageous-as-Harvard-s

Harvard should be trying to increase the number of fans.

 

[alslammerz]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

I just noticed this thread here about ticket prices. I have season tickets so do not notice prices for single tickets but was surprised to read how high Harvard prices are compared with the other schools prices mentioned in the thread.

http://board.uscho.com/showthread.php?102192-Ticket-Prices-Are-any-as-outrageous-as-Harvard-s

Harvard should be trying to increase the number of fans.

But actually...yeah. And I get Russia's a big deal (?) but was that a full price game too? I admit to not knowing because I used my student id but there's no real reason for an exhibition game to be that price. I get Harvard has to pay the staff of the Bright regardless of the gender playing but those prices really are outrageous.

That said - the best way to increase fans in my opinion is to convince students to come to games, and they get free tickets so...

(FWIW, it's $10 for other schools' students)

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

But actually...yeah. And I get Russia's a big deal (?) but was that a full price game too? I admit to not knowing because I used my student id but there's no real reason for an exhibition game to be that price. I get Harvard has to pay the staff of the Bright regardless of the gender playing but those prices really are outrageous.

That said - the best way to increase fans in my opinion is to convince students to come to games, and they get free tickets so...

(FWIW, it's $10 for other schools' students)

Right but it seems like the students really don't care that much about Harvard hockey. We had strong student support for the men's hockey program throughout the eighties but it seems like hockey is an afterthought these days. The men's b-ball team got people jazzed last season but will it last? The women's program has been strong through the years but support has waned.

Regarding tickets. I've noticed a bunch of promotions including free admission for anyone living in Brighton or Cambridge. That smacks of desperation. Harvard has been pretty good about attracting kids' teams and their coaches but I haven't seen them this season so far.

 

[alslammerz]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

Right but it seems like the students really don't care that much about Harvard hockey. We had strong student support for the men's hockey program throughout the eighties but it seems like hockey is an afterthought these days. The men's b-ball team got people jazzed last season but will it last? The women's program has been strong through the years but support has waned.

Regarding tickets. I've noticed a bunch of promotions including free admission for anyone living in Brighton or Cambridge. That smacks of desperation. Harvard has been pretty good about attracting kids' teams and their coaches but I haven't seen them this season so far.

My point was more that you can't blame high prices for students not going to games than anything else.

All of the sports, including football, has had free admission for Brighton and Cambridge residents, for teachers, for graduate students, etc. Not sure that there's actually any increase in numbers during those days.

Seems like youth teams are more popular during the winter once teams have been playing for a bit.

 

[Hux]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

Right but it seems like the students really don't care that much about Harvard hockey. We had strong student support for the men's hockey program throughout the eighties but it seems like hockey is an afterthought these days. The men's b-ball team got people jazzed last season but will it last? The women's program has been strong through the years but support has waned.

Regarding tickets. I've noticed a bunch of promotions including free admission for anyone living in Brighton or Cambridge. That smacks of desperation. Harvard has been pretty good about attracting kids' teams and their coaches but I haven't seen them this season so far.

Interesting article in the Boston Globe today citing the decreases (with the exception of Harvard men's and Providence Bruins) in attendance at Boston area college and AHL games. Apparently the NHL lockout has had a negative, rather than the expected positive, impact on fannies in the seats. Without the Bruins playing thoughts of hockey for the average fan have been put on the back burner according to the article.

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

Another Friday evening beatdown at Bright. This time, it a period and some change but once Harvard got their wheels going, it was only a matter of the final score. And in this case, it should have been 12 - 1. Yeah, it was that bad. Providence had nothing tonight. Zero forecheck and they couldn't skate with Harvard after the first period. The Crimson hit at least three posts and one crossbar, missed on three, count 'em three two on zero break-ins and countless other goalmouth scrambles that could have resulted in goals. The Friars D lacks mobility and their D zone coverage was awful. In one five minute stretch, the Crimson kept Providence from moving the puck past the red line. Yup, the red line. They were all over the Friars and kept their forecheck intensity going all night. Best game so far this year front to back. Bellamy could have had a few snacks and played a video game or two. She made exactly two tough saves all night. The goal that beat her came with ten seconds left on a deflection that she had momentarily before it squirted through her pads.

Best goal of the night? Tough call but I'd have to say it was Miye D'Oench who blew past the Friar D on her backhand, cut in front of the Providence goalie and stuffed a forehand past her. Great move reminiscent of Lane MacDonald's beauty against Minnesota in the '89 final. Jillian Dempsey had another great night with four goals and Kelsey Romatoski easily had her best game since her freshman year. She was all over the ice, scored twice and played solid D. All the D played well and consistently forced Providence to cough up the puck in the neutral zone. Really impressive as to Harvard's ability to take away the neutral zone.

About the only bad news coming out of the game was the injury to Lyndsey Fry. Happened in the first period as she crashed into the boards on the first two-on-zero breakout with Dempsey. Fry appeared to injure her left arm and she didn't return to the game. Didn't look good and I doubt we will see her tomorrow against UNH. Hope she is good to go at the start of the New Year.

Speaking of the UNH game, what genius decided on a starting time of 2pm after Harvard played the night before? Couldn't this game have been scheduled for Sunday at 2? I'm guessing tomorrow's start time is because the UNH men are playing at night but I don't see why they can't play at 3 or 4 and push the men's game to 7:30. We do it here at Bright.

Tomorrow's game will be telecast on WBIN locally and Fox Sports Atlantic according to tonight's program.

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

Interesting article in the Boston Globe today citing the decreases (with the exception of Harvard men's and Providence Bruins) in attendance at Boston area college and AHL games. Apparently the NHL lockout has had a negative, rather than the expected positive, impact on fannies in the seats. Without the Bruins playing thoughts of hockey for the average fan have been put on the back burner according to the article.

This is interesting because BC and BU are both ranked and I'm guessing they are leading the pack in terms of attendance. I am surprised to see that the Harvard men have not had a decrease although that may be due to last year's ECAC tournament. I do miss the NHL although when the Bruins were average to mediocre, I attended far more college games than pro games. Maybe attendance will pick up after the New Year when schools are back in session for second semester.

 

[alslammerz]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

Speaking of the UNH game, what genius decided on a starting time of 2pm after Harvard played the night before? Couldn't this game have been scheduled for Sunday at 2? I'm guessing tomorrow's start time is because the UNH men are playing at night but I don't see why they can't play at 3 or 4 and push the men's game to 7:30. We do it here at Bright.

Tomorrow's game will be telecast on WBIN locally and Fox Sports Atlantic according to tonight's program.

Thinking you answered your own question here skate It had to be on Saturday at 2 because that's the TV slot.

Also the game is on WHRB at 7pm if you want to pretend it's at a normal time. I don't usually pub for them anymore now that I'm a ghost but I just feel bad that the schedule forced them to do a tape delayed game.

 

[Veritas]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

Thinking you answered your own question here skate It had to be on Saturday at 2 because that's the TV slot.

Also the game is on WHRB at 7pm if you want to pretend it's at a normal time. I don't usually pub for them anymore now that I'm a ghost but I just feel bad that the schedule forced them to do a tape delayed game.

Alslammerz - No disrespect intended for you as I know you once were a big part of 'HRB, but no one "forced" 'HRB to delay the coverage of the game. WHRB once again willingly chose to ignore a Harvard centered activity so they can broadcast opera originating in New York. It is part of a pattern that has been going on for many years. Since at least 1989 if there is any conflict between the Metropolitan Opera and anything that involve Harvard the Metropolitan Opera wins. Some here have commented on a lack of student interest in attending games. 'HRB is part of the problem.

 

[sonar]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

UNH men do not have a hockey game on Saturday.

 

[Skate79]

Re: Harvard Crimson Women 2012-2013

Alslammerz - No disrespect intended for you as I know you once were a big part of 'HRB, but no one "forced" 'HRB to delay the coverage of the game. WHRB once again willingly chose to ignore a Harvard centered activity so they can broadcast opera originating in New York. It is part of a pattern that has been going on for many years. Since at least 1989 if there is any conflict between the Metropolitan Opera and anything that involve Harvard the Metropolitan Opera wins. Some here have commented on a lack of student interest in attending games. 'HRB is part of the problem.

Okay, so as a former WHRBie (or ghost as the case may be), I have to come to alslammerz' defense. I don't think it is fair to blame 'HRB for a lack of student interest in Harvard athletics. That is where the athletic department needs to step in and do a better job of promoting the teams. WHRB has to provide balanced coverage of different types of programming. Believe me, there were students and profs while I was there who were none to happy to hear hockey, basketball or football broadcast in place of cultural programming like the 'Met. I think but I'm not sure the 'Met came about because the former WCRB dropped its coverage when it changed its classical format. I can't swear to it but somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I remember a conversation with Dave Elliot who told me about the acquisition. Again, I'm not 100% sure. Either way, I have no problem with the tape delay.