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

[Jeff_Jackson_for_Pres.]

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

Ladies, ladies. Get your priorities straight. First Mr. JJfP with his concert last night, then 3rdFM with her music next weekend, then yuenight with her red rock hiking this week. All great things to do...in the off-season! Listen and learn...hockey is life. The rest is just details.

Q: How does Coach Jackson celebrate his 300th career victory?

A: By preparing for his 301st.

 

[Jeff_Jackson_for_Pres.]

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

Is there anybody else out there? I feel like I'm the only one in this thread. Granted I have no life outside of hockey...and no full time job, so...

Thanks to Chuck Clemency for the pic of Brad Aldridge's Cup ring. I couldn't get past the mob trying it on to get my own pic. Good God is that ring gargantuan. Since Brad is the one who gets to take it home at night, somehow I bet he didn't mind the mob.

This was a better effort by the captains tonight (and yes, I'm basking in the glow of my pick for captain being a good choice). For the 2nd night in a row, Calle Ridderwall had a homely goal. Thankfully, ugly goals count the same as pretty ones. Ben Ryan got on the official scoresheet; this time for the 3rd goal of the night (the game winner) instead of his 3rd penalty. And I think Ryan Guentzel will finally have that breakout year that IHF and I have been waiting for. He has already matched his point total from all of last season. And it's still October!

The freshmen continue to amaze. Anders Lee is tenacious, strong on the puck and a pretty decent goal scorer (a slight understatement). I never realized how tiny T.J. Tynan is. Or how red his hair is. Regardless, he is like the Energizer bunny out there. It seems like each game so far, we've seen a different freshman (or several different freshmen) make some great plays and set the example for the rest of the team. Now that's leadership.

I like when players work hard, and it seems the new faces (and likely, the new captains as well) have breathed new life into this program. While they need a little polishing on the backcheck and those first passes out of their end, they are relentless on the forecheck, which goes a long way toward wearing out the opponent. I've said it before: whether you're up 3 goals or down 3, playing defense is exhausting.

And while Mike Johnson needs to watch that 5-hole, it was nice to see his GA drop while recording his first sweep in an Irish jersey.

Keep up the hard work, boys. It will pay off nicely in the spring.

 

[yuenight_for_IRISHICER]

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

well at least I went there for 10 min... I was gonna leave for the train station at 8:15 and I finished packing 7:45, but I still grabbed the camera and ran to JACC for 10min of their performance in the golden jersey. I thought I'm pretty dedicated Bad luck goes like that the score board already showed 2-1 when I ran in and the the horn rang right after I ran out of the door...

4-2, I love this score.

-Yue at O'Hare airport...

 

[IrishHockeyFan]

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

Is there anybody else out there? I feel like I'm the only one in this thread.

Ladies, ladies. Get your priorities straight. First Mr. JJfP with his concert last night, then 3rdFM with her music next weekend, then yuenight with her red rock hiking this week. All great things to do...in the off-season! Listen and learn...hockey is life. The rest is just details.

Hey, we're still here! And it isn't JUST the ladies. I had an unexpected opportunity to spend some time with my daughter, back in the States in Texas. She's at the point where she thinks some career decisions need to be considered. With her next promotion possibly being a few years away, (it takes longer -- generally -- to be promoted from E5/Staff Sergeant to E6/Technical Sergeant in the Air Force than in the other branches) she could be at a crossroads of sorts. These are the times when I feel absolutely inadequate as a parent. Maybe I should have had more than one child, you know, more practice...

As for the games, right now the most curious thing I think I have noticed is the fact that in 3 of the 4 games played we've lost the faceoff battle. And those are the three games we've won Even with the crappy record last season, faceoffs were an area of strength more often than not. If that can be turned around quickly, it may help defensively. And it could make this team tougher to beat early on than I ever anticipated.

 

[Jeff_Jackson_for_Pres.]

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

Hey, we're still here! And it isn't JUST the ladies. I had an unexpected opportunity to spend some time with my daughter, back in the States in Texas. She's at the point where she thinks some career decisions need to be considered. With her next promotion possibly being a few years away, (it takes longer -- generally -- to be promoted from E5/Staff Sergeant to E6/Technical Sergeant in the Air Force than in the other branches) she could be at a crossroads of sorts. These are the times when I feel absolutely inadequate as a parent. Maybe I should have had more than one child, you know, more practice...

Not that I mind being alone (growing up in a huge family makes me cherish my alone time...), but it's the fear that I was talking to myself and sometimes even answering that made me ask. Good to see you got some progeny time. And it sounds as if you've done a perfect job as a parent, so why wish for more kids? That just gives the opportunity to eventually screw up! Good luck to her.

I think the face off situation + BC this Saturday will tell us a lot about the rest of the season. Given how BC just dismantled DU, I think playing "catch up" after a face off against BC this year won't work too well.

 

[Jeff_Jackson_for_Pres.]

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

I like playing the role of the underdog. But does it always have to be against BC?

ND is a much younger team than BC as the Eagles have only 2 of their 4 freshmen who've appeared in all 3 of their games. ND has had 7 of their 12 freshmen appear in all 4 of their games.

As far as goal scorers, both how many different ones and who the top guys in each class are, both teams are pretty even. BC has had 8 different guys register goals in 3 games, 3 of them repeat customers. ND has had 11 different guys score goals in 4 games, with 4 of them recording more than one. BC's top freshman is Kevin Hayes with 2 points. ND's top freshman is, of course, Anders Lee with 6 points (to lead the Irish). BC's top second year guy is Steven Whitney (2 points), while ND's top sophomore is Nick Larson (5 points). Top Eagle junior is also their leading scorer with 4 points, Cam Atkinson. ND's top junior is Billy Maday (2 points). Top senior for BC is Joe Whitney (4 points). For ND, it's Ryan Guentzel with 6 points (which ties him for the team lead in points).

The top scoring defenseman for BC would be Tommy Cross with 2 points. For ND, Shayne Taker leads defensemen with 3 points. As for goalies, I expect John Muse (1.00 GA and .969 save %) to be in net for BC and Mike Johnson (2.34 GA and .923 save %) to be in net for ND. As a team, BC averages 3.67 GF and gives up a startling stingy 0.67 GA. ND scores 4.5 GF and gives up 3.

As for special teams, both BC and ND have aspects to be proud of. BC is 100% on the PK (good thing as they average 9 penalties/game...and that is taking out a major and misconduct). They have one SHG. ND is 95.5% on the PK while averaging a hair over 5 penalties/game (also taking out the majors and misconducts). ND has 3 shorties. BC's PP sits at 15.4% with 2 PPG's, while ND's is 17.6% on the strength of 3 PPG's.

Here's for a raucous crowd of townies. I'll do my part. Who's with me?

Challenges are what makes life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes life rewarding.

 

[Chris_NH]

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

A couple (few?) years ago, BC entered the game versus Notre Dame with everyone expecting the Eagles to steamroll the Irish. The Irish steamrolled BC instead, and the game was at BC if I recall correctly. If none of the players remember that game, Jerry York certainly does.

 

[IrishHockeyFan]

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

A couple (few?) years ago, BC entered the game versus Notre Dame with everyone expecting the Eagles to steamroll the Irish. The Irish steamrolled BC instead, and the game was at BC if I recall correctly. If none of the players remember that game, Jerry York certainly does.

I believe you are referring to the game in October of 2006. Notre Dame followed up that 7-1 win at BC with a similar pounding of Providence the next night that actually pleased me more, for a number of reasons. That 2006 game was the third straight time ND played and beat a number 1 BC squad. Mark Van Guilder had a hat trick in the game, and Dan Kissel followed up with one of his own the next night, the first three goals of his ND career. The one the 2 seasons earlier was the real fluke. That ND team was the worst college hockey team I have ever seen, and won just 4 more times in 33 games the rest of the year.

This #1 BC team looks like it may be the best of the recent ones ND has played. Both teams can score and it would not surprise me to see the winning team need 5 or 6 goals to pull it off. NDs struggles in their end and in transition lead me to believe BC has the better shot, but who knows? I really like the attitude of this team and attitude is what helped it early on in 2006-2007. Should be a good one. Too bad it had to be scheduled while the students are on break. Coach Jackson has issued the challenge to the locals to make it a good environment.

 

[Chris_NH]

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

I believe you are referring to the game in October of 2006. Notre Dame followed up that 7-1 win at BC with a similar pounding of Providence the next night that actually pleased me more, for a number of reasons. That 2006 game was the third straight time ND played and beat a number 1 BC squad. Mark Van Guilder had a hat trick in the game, and Dan Kissel followed up with one of his own the next night, the first three goals of his ND career. The one the 2 seasons earlier was the real fluke. That ND team was the worst college hockey team I have ever seen, and won just 4 more times in 33 games the rest of the year.

This #1 BC team looks like it may be the best of the recent ones ND has played. Both teams can score and it would not surprise me to see the winning team need 5 or 6 goals to pull it off. NDs struggles in their end and in transition lead me to believe BC has the better shot, but who knows? I really like the attitude of this team and attitude is what helped it early on in 2006-2007. Should be a good one. Too bad it had to be scheduled while the students are on break. Coach Jackson has issued the challenge to the locals to make it a good environment.

I count myself a BC fan, not because I went there but because my Dad did...and we both loved BC hockey. But I'm mostly an advocate for the game of college hockey, and I want to see schools do well at the sport no matter who or where. So I certainly want to see Notre Dame do well because it bodes well for the sport and its overall appeal. I wish Ohio State could reclaim some of its lost lustre, too. Penn State will be a great opponent for everyone in the Northeast! Good luck with the new arena at Notre Dame!

 

[theprofromdover]

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

I believe you are referring to the game in October of 2006. Notre Dame followed up that 7-1 win at BC with a similar pounding of Providence the next night that actually pleased me more, for a number of reasons.

After that BC game I posted that ND should be ranked #1.

 

[Third Family Member]

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

Hello from a bright sunny KCMO. Down here for 2 shows this weekend, but went to one yesterday at the renowned Record Bar (had a friend playing). So I showed all of Yuenight's photos that are on line to all my friends--general consensus is that she should build her portfolio and start her own business, and I got 2 requests for her to take photos of bands, but they unfortunately for Yue are both KCMO bands! Sorry Yue! I went back through all her photos that I've saved over the years for them and they all agree, the Calle Ridderwal goal in Denver and the bending stick shot of Christiaan Minella's are phenomanal.

I can actually listen to the stream of the game as our show doesn't start until 10 pm local time, so well after the game should be over. So, I will be a local there in spirit if not in body. Is that acceptable JJfP?

 

[eetzasqueed]

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

I believe you are referring to the game in October of 2006.

I believe it happened again in October 2008, after we had a mass exodus of players following the '08 NC. One of the first games of my sophomore year, it was pretty disheartening to say the least. So maybe you guys get the regular season games in even numbered years, which bodes well for you this time.

 

[Jeff_Jackson_for_Pres.]

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

I believe it happened again in October 2008 ... So maybe you guys get the regular season games in even numbered years, which bodes well for you this time.

The '06 game was the bigger since Coach Jackson was still fairly new here, his system was just starting to gain headway the previous spring and nobody expected anything from ND yet.

As for the even numbered year victories, I like that idea. I would like it even more if you would concede a few games in the even numbered year post-season, too!

Is that acceptable JJfP?

Unless you can be in 2 places at once, it'll have to do. I believe you can watch the game also, not just listen... und.com

 

[Craig P.]

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

Great win tonight!

#1 BC + ND = ND win... it's like a law of nature.

 

[Third Family Member]

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

Great win! I'm glad I could get a steam of it since I couldn't be there in person. However the Oklahoma/Missouri game seems really important here and I missed who scored the 2nd goal. Can someone post that so I know!

 

[steakbomb]

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

Great win Irish! BC looked unbeatable last weekend. I don't think you'll need all your fingers and toes to count their losses this year

 

[Fighting Sioux 23]

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

Great win tonight!

#1 BC + ND = ND win... it's like a law of nature.

Very nice win!

You beat the greatest college hockey team in the history of the game

Seriously though, very nice win. BC IS the best team this season and that win will be huge for you come PWR time.

 

[Jeff_Jackson_for_Pres.]

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

Great win! I'm glad I could get a steam of it since I couldn't be there in person. However the Oklahoma/Missouri game seems really important here and I missed who scored the 2nd goal. Can someone post that so I know!

Calle. And both were pretty.

While Shayne Taker and Joe Lavin had less than stellar games tonight, the rest of the team, especially Ridderwall, Ben Ryan, Billy Maday and Riley Sheahan had fantastic games. Mike Johnson was out. stan. ding. He was totally screened on BC's goal, but other than that he made some phenomenal saves. I would've thought hard about giving him the #1 star of the game.

BC is like a team of hummingbirds that can pass and shoot the puck. Fast doesn't even begin to describe them. Fortunately, ND adjusted and for the 2nd and 3rd periods kept up with BC pretty well.

ND played quite well as a team. Still some backchecking snafus, but they made up for them and after Ridderwall scored his first, the whole team got some jump to keep the need to backcheck less than in the 1st period.

Both Coach Jackson and Coach York had the opportunity to vent as there were bad calls on both ends.

Maybe the team should go camping after every victory. S'mores, anyone?

 

[WeAreNDHockey]

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

Well, my baseball team pooped the bed for 8 straight innings. My football team would have pooped the bed against Navy, but apparently even just pooping the bed requires too much effort for Kelly's lads, so thank God for the Notre Dame's hockey team.

 

[Jeff_Jackson_for_Pres.]

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

Odd how funny the word "poop" is in print.

Anyhoo, forgot to add a huge kudos to the player who, while on his tummy, managed to swipe his stick at the puck with about 6 seconds left to send it out of the zone and end the comeback hopes of the Eagles. Was it Ryan Guentzel? Everyone in my posse was asking as we weren't sure.