Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

[Jeff_Jackson_for_Pres.]

I've been thinking of the Thomas Paine quote, "What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is its dearness that gives everything its value."

That fits well with ND hockey. From the hard work to start the program a mere 42 years ago, to fighting for significance in more than one league, to being dumped by the University, to working to return to significance, to embracing that significance in Colorado, to taking that significance for granted last season, to earning the right to play in new digs next fall.

The first official practice is in 6 days. The first game situation is in 7. Captains will be announced as early as tomorrow.

The team is freshman-heavy and senior-light. 12 new names to learn. 5 to watch for the last time. There are more freshmen than any 2 other classes combined.

Who will impress? Who will lead? Who will stand between the pipes? Who will have a break out season?

As the team and fans prepare for the last full season in the JACC, will we all hold the past teams and the fading facilities dear? While I'm excited for the new arena, I will make sure I savor every moment of this upcoming season. This building is where I fell in love with hockey. This is the team I fell in love with. For three and a half decades, my life has revolved around Notre Dame hockey. Of course I hold them dear.

 

[StillaLeafsFan]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

Your title is classier than the "University of Notre Dame 2010-2011: Don't Taze me bro!" I was thinking of.
I am expecting a solid year offensively from both Maday and Ridderwall, as in last season. Maday is a little more dynamic and less one-dimensional than Calle, but both should be dangerous. I really don't know what to expect from Riley Sheahan, but I'm hoping he can fall into gear this season. If that happens he is going to be a force. I think Patrick Gaul will continue on with the promise he was showing last season, and I anticipate consitent contribution from Ben Ryan. I expect solid D from Lavin and Lorenz, and I'm interested to see what Calabrese can do. Hopefully he won't sustain a season-ending injury in his first shift again.
For C I am expecting Maday, with Ben Ryan as a possibility. Maybe as an A.
This Guelph game will be a test. This will be the 6th game of their season already.

 

[IrishHockeyFan]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

Why do I let JJfP beat me to starting these season threads anyway?

Your captains for 2010-2011: Joe Lavin, Calle Ridderwall, Ben Ryan, and Ryan Guentzel. Lavin will wear the "C", chosen, apparently, by his teammates.

 

[Jeff_Jackson_for_Pres.]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

Why do I let JJfP beat me to starting these season threads anyway?

Because you have more patience than I do!

Your captains for 2010-2011: Joe Lavin, Calle Ridderwall, Ben Ryan, and Ryan Guentzel. Lavin will wear the "C", chosen, apparently, by his teammates.

If only I had lottery luck like I do picking captains kinda luck! I'm quite pleased with 2 of my choices wearing letters. Especially the C.

(And, hey IHF, you always beat me to the newsworthy stuff! )

Edit: I also have to add...loved what Coach Jackson had to say about last season and this season. Say "No" to the entitlement, boys.

 

[SteveP]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

I think Christian Hanson has the inside track to be the 4th line center on the Leafs. Wilson said last night's lineup against Buffalo was about what it'll be on opening night. Kadri and Mitchell were scratches - Hanson suited up.

He scored last night -- the goal is at 4:00 of the video.

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[Jeff_Jackson_for_Pres.]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

Not only that, but his TOI was only about 9:00. Talk about making the most of your time.

Did you also see the lengthy intermission piece/interview with Brett Lebda?

There may not be a lot of ND players in the NHL, but they are getting some good exposure.

 

[AnchorsAway]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

Gosh it sure seems like Ridderwall has been around forever doesn't it?? Maybe thats just the point of view from outsiders lol Sheahan really impressed at the Red Wings developmental camp, as I am a Wings fan I'm hoping for a big year out of him although with any luck he plays his worst games of the season against my Lakers

 

[mookie1995]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

Hey, I have a friend coming to your town for an audit and she asked me to finds her "good restaurants". Any help comes with my gratitude.

 

[SteveP]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

Not only that, but his TOI was only about 9:00. Talk about making the most of your time.

Did you also see the lengthy intermission piece/interview with Brett Lebda?

There may not be a lot of ND players in the NHL, but they are getting some good exposure.

Caught the tail end of the Lebda piece -- hope he's going to have an impact on the blue line.

 

[StillaLeafsFan]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

Hey, I have a friend coming to your town for an audit and she asked me to finds her "good restaurants". Any help comes with my gratitude.

What kind of food is she looking for? There are a few good Thai and Mexican places I can think of off the top of my head, along with the usual fast food chains.
Glad to see the captains named. I'm surprised that Lavin was an option, seeing as his party got almost the entire incoming class arrested over the summer.
I'm happy to see Hanson do well, and even happier if they leave him as a centre. When he was signed they tried to make him into a wing and it was awkward. He isn't getting much competition from Kadri--he was billed to be ready to move up to the big stage this year but has not impressed in camp.
Lebda is out for some unknown amount of time with an injury, which isn't much of a blow to the team, thankfully.

 

[mookie1995]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

Anything GOOD

 

[Jeff_Jackson_for_Pres.]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

Hey, I have a friend coming to your town for an audit and she asked me to finds her "good restaurants". Any help comes with my gratitude.

Fiddler's Hearth, Nick's Patio (for breakfast), Trio's (kinda dressy and pricey), 5 Guys for good burgers, Polito's Pizza, Rulli's in Middlebury off the bypass.

Lebda is out for some unknown amount of time with an injury, which isn't much of a blow to the team, thankfully.

10-14 days.

 

[StillaLeafsFan]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

Hey, I have a friend coming to your town for an audit and she asked me to finds her "good restaurants". Any help comes with my gratitude.

On top of the restaurants listed by JJfP (I LOVE Fiddlers), there is Siam Thai, Cambodian Thai, La Esperanza (Mexican), Noodle Alley (Thai-a little further away), Chipotle across from campus (next to Five Guys), Ho Ping House Chinese, Mazatlan for Mexican....that's what's on the top of my head.

 

[mookie1995]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

thanks y'all. i let her know (she got in town last night).

 

[SteveP]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

Anything GOOD

I'm into diners, drive-ins and dives!

I recall a diner on the east side of N. Michigan near the Interstate that served a pretty good breakfast. Ate there a few times when I was in town.

 

[IrishHockeyFan]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

I'm into diners, drive-ins and dives!

I recall a diner on the east side of N. Michigan near the Interstate that served a pretty good breakfast. Ate there a few times when I was in town.

American Pancake House?

 

[SteveP]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

American Pancake House?

Ate there too -- good food and it reminded me of the Waffle Shop here in State College.

Through the magic of the internet, I found the one I was referring to -- Elias Restaurant.

 

[IrishHockeyFan]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

The Swedish flag may be coming down once Calle Ridderwall graduates, but one of the flags flying over Lefty's Rink in the coming seasons apparently will be an Austrian one.

 

[Jeff_Jackson_for_Pres.]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

You hear that sound? Know what it is? It's the sound of skate blades hitting the ice. It's the sound of tape-to-tape passes. It's the sound of a team working together for a common goal.

Get it? Common goal...

Okay, I recently took a high stick to the face. Thank goodness for facemasks...

In almost exactly 48 hours, the Irish take the ice to start the last full season at the Joyce. I know, I know. It's not a game that counts in any standings, but it's hockey nonetheless, and I'm excited.

The University of Guelph Gryphons have played 5 games already, one of which was also an exhibition game. They are 3-2, with one of those losses coming in OT. They're averaging 4 goals for/game with an average GA of 2.4. They have outshot their opponents, by a wide margin, in all of their games.

Their big guns include Justin Gvora, Matt Lyall, Ed Gale, Zach Lillie and Thomas Kiriakou. They've employed all 3 goalies, but two have seen more ice time than the 3rd string. I'll take a stab that Cody St. Jacques will be in goal, and if time is split in net, Andrew Loverock could be between the pipes Sunday also.

My guess as to who will be in net for the opponent is more of a sure thing than trying to figure out who will dress for Notre Dame. Maybe I could guess as to how many seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen will dress as opposed to who will dress. How about 4 seniors, 4 juniors, 4 sophomores (including a goalie) and 9 freshmen (2 of which are goalies).

How's that for just vague enough?

Don't forget, season ticket holders, the DTP event starts are 3:45. If you ever wanted to know exactly how many of us have been with the team through thick and thin (I mean you, Lou Nanni), start counting heads.

Here's to a successful and injury-free year, boys. Man, do you deserve one.

 

[Jeff_Jackson_for_Pres.]

Re: Irish hockey '10-11-Everyone bets on a sure thing, but it takes guts not to fold.

Here's a nice little update on Ian Cole trying to crack the Blues NHL lineup. It also is virtually a lock that Christian Hanson will stay with the Leafs rather than start out the season with the Marlies. Erik Condra is still postponing med school and Mark Van Guilder and teammate Ryan Thang have each found the back of the net for the Milwaukee Admirals in this pre-season. As the Columbus Blue Jackets are relegated to "Other sports" in their hometown paper, it's difficult to find info on Theo Ruth, but he's dressing for Syracuse tonight.