I am sure it has to do with the team being made up of 7 Graduate Student transfers. To some that rubs people the wrong way to build a team.
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Merrimack '21-'22: Can't a guy get a thread around here?
- Thread starter RENCEB
- Start date
I am sure it has to do with the team being made up of 7 Graduate Student transfers. To some that rubs people the wrong way to build a team.
Hmm, it's not illegal, all the teams had players from the portal. So you're saying the coaches voted against a coach you took players from the portal when they did the same exact thing? I'm sure if they were short players they would have taken all the players from the portal that they needed to fill the squad.
riverchief1
New member
I'm just beside myself. Pandolfo should just recognize it should've gone to him and give it to him. So wrong.
Oh please.
lifeoncommave
New member
This is starting to sound like the "Angela Bassett got snubbed" malarkey. They had a vote among 11 very knowledgeable guys. One guy had to win, it was Pandolfo. Suck it up, Buttercup. Doesn't mean Borek didn't do a great job, nor that Merrimack didn't have a great season (and I hope they squeak in to the NCAA's with a win Friday and a loss Saturday).
They could have taken in freshman recruits. I believe they also cut players to then make room for the transfers. Its not illegal at all but I could easily see some coaches frowning on that way to do business. Personally, I would have voted for Pandolfo based on that theory as well. I think its a shortcut (although nothing illegal) to success similar how I despise the Yankees for buying free agents.
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I doubt its a grudge, but maybe the coaching ranks (like many professional arenas) tends to be little "clubby"........(you're part of the "in crowd" or not)....something along those lines. These are human beings after all. (I'm sure it has nothing to do with bringing in too many grad students).
It would be interesting to see what COY voting is supposed to be based on. One would think it should be based on getting the most out of a roster's potential, overcoming challenges, etc. Borek/MC fits the bill perfectly this year.
The same guys who thought UMass would be good this year? Or was that media? This is hardly the first case of coaches getting a vote wrong. Not the end of the world but they absolutely got it wrong.
I came over to your page to see what you guys are thinking about a huge upcoming semifinal against UMass - Lowell, and instead find nothing but 1-1/2 pages complaining about the coach of the year award??? Merrimack had a wonderful season but so didn't BU. Let's dig a little deeper. 2021/22: Merrimack and BU tie for 5th in HE with 41 points. MC - 19-15-1 and BU 19-13-3 for overall record. That's the baseline and basically both teams identical. 2022/23: BU 1st place 54 points - +2 in league wins over MC - 2nd place finisher (with fine year). Overall record - BU 25-10-0, and MC 22-12-1. BU ranked basically 9-10 places ahead in national rankings. I'm not so sure coaches didn't get it right.
When has COTY ever been just about who has the better record? If that's the case eliminate the voting entirely. Last year's records aren't indicative of what was expected of each team either. When you add in the tragic passing of Josh Ciocco and I think it's a slam dunk. Oh well.
Okay, to paraphrase a certain local football coach, "We're on to UMass Lowell".
Merrimack swept the Riverhawks 5-2 at Tsongas and 2-0 at Lawler. UML doesn't score much (56 goals in league games), but neither do they give up much (54 goals, behind only Northeastern and Merrimack). Gustavs Davis Grigals was named All Hockey East 3rd team (along with Merrimack's Hugo Ollas). Grigals is a Grad student (sorry, I couldn't help myself!). He's done an excellent job for UML after playing previously for Alaska.
Offensively, the Riverhawks are led by Sr. Carl Bergland with 12-15-27. He's a very smart player and seemingly tireless (watch how much he is on the ice). Gr. Jon MacDonald adds some offense from the blue line with a 3-17-20 stat line.
Expect a tight checking, low scoring game.
Merrimack swept the Riverhawks 5-2 at Tsongas and 2-0 at Lawler. UML doesn't score much (56 goals in league games), but neither do they give up much (54 goals, behind only Northeastern and Merrimack). Gustavs Davis Grigals was named All Hockey East 3rd team (along with Merrimack's Hugo Ollas). Grigals is a Grad student (sorry, I couldn't help myself!). He's done an excellent job for UML after playing previously for Alaska.
Offensively, the Riverhawks are led by Sr. Carl Bergland with 12-15-27. He's a very smart player and seemingly tireless (watch how much he is on the ice). Gr. Jon MacDonald adds some offense from the blue line with a 3-17-20 stat line.
Expect a tight checking, low scoring game.
It's not only about won/loss record but it plays heavily into the voting. I'm sure the Josh Ciocco passing was extremely difficult and Borek should be commended for leading them through that. Lots of things go on with many teams that we rarely hear about and are difficult for everyone. Another subjective item is the 1st year aspect of Jay P. at BU. He coached BU to that record in his 1st year. Record or no record - BU passed the eye test as clearly the best team in HE and for that Jay P. got recognized.
Fishman'81
Black Bear since D-2
Just barely made it through the semi's.
The games were entertaining, but still waaay too long for an old coot. I've never had a root canal -let alone one that extends to 7 hours- but I think I have a sense of that now.
The more I see modern, defensive hockey, the more I'd like to see 4X4 in regulation at every level of the game.
Still, glad to see The Mack advance. I have a soft spot for UML, since both of my nephews are grads, but both MC and Lowell are likely too gassed to beat a BU tomorrow. (Again, the games are getting too long.) And while I'm no PW savant, but it looks like MC will likely garner an AL bid, even with a loss tomorrow.
Hope so, anyway. The more Hockey East, the more I'll care about the NCAAs, even if I am forced to hold my nose and root for BU.
The games were entertaining, but still waaay too long for an old coot. I've never had a root canal -let alone one that extends to 7 hours- but I think I have a sense of that now.
The more I see modern, defensive hockey, the more I'd like to see 4X4 in regulation at every level of the game.
Still, glad to see The Mack advance. I have a soft spot for UML, since both of my nephews are grads, but both MC and Lowell are likely too gassed to beat a BU tomorrow. (Again, the games are getting too long.) And while I'm no PW savant, but it looks like MC will likely garner an AL bid, even with a loss tomorrow.
Hope so, anyway. The more Hockey East, the more I'll care about the NCAAs, even if I am forced to hold my nose and root for BU.
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Gotta admit, I was surprised to see Borgiel in net, but he was terrific! WHAT.A.GAME!!
Merrimack dominated through the 1st 2 periods (UML with only 7 shots through 2) but Grigals came up huge for the Riverhawks. Warriors had plenty of opportunities (Forsmark alone in front of the net, and a couple of breakaways) but Grigals stoned them. UML ramped it up in the 3rd and OT, and Borgiel was excellent. Thought it was over when Seyfert scored (great goal) but Riverhawks wouldn't quit. Credit to them. Leppanen and Copponi worked a beautiful give and go for the winner. Ballgame.
Pleasantly surprised that MC did so well at the dot. 46-35 FOWs was big, especially against UML who were excellent on face-offs all year.
Will be interesting to see what kind of legs they have tonight against a VERY quick BU team. Ollas will be in net (and will be the freshest player on the ice!)
Merrimack up to 13th in the Pairwise, and CHN probability matrix has them at 96% to get in. Got no help from QU or Denver (thanks for nothing).
Tough ask for them to beat BU 3 times in a season (I can say with 99.9% certainty that has never happened).
Just win baby!
SonofSouthie
Misanthrope
Good luck tonight.
Jack Hanson
New member
Yes good luck!
Also want at least one of Harvard, St Cloud, and Minnesota State to win. All 3 lose then I don’t think you make it. Best to just win!
Also want at least one of Harvard, St Cloud, and Minnesota State to win. All 3 lose then I don’t think you make it. Best to just win!