Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

[Salvo1017]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

quite simply out, players like Gryba, Bigos, Cohen, Boyle back in the day (although York did a good job reigning him in) are not Hockey East type players.

HE reffs tend to favor a more European style game...the opposite is true out of the WCHA reffs. They let them play the body a lot more. It's really a whole different game watching WCHA hockey and Hockey East.

I've watched plenty of Wisconsin and NoDak hockey...I wouldn't call them dirty per se, but I would call them big and physical. Much more akin to NHL hockey.

 

[FiveHole12]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

quite simply out, players like Gryba, Bigos, Cohen, Boyle back in the day (although York did a good job reigning him in) are not Hockey East type players.

Boyle? Really... Brian Boyle? Who'd he ever hit?
I think you may be confusing him with someone else... Albertson or Petrecki maybe?
Or Gerbe... he used to break BU bones on 3 different players with one swing of the stick.

 

[irishfan85]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

Boyle used to get called for head contact all the time, never while head hunting

Yes. Some of the bigger guys in Hockey East have gotten called for elbowing, just because their elbows are at some of the average player's heads. I'm not saying nothing has ever been done without intent, but the bigger boys of all teams have been called for penalties that would not be pentalties in the NHL.

 

[FiveHole12]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

Yes. Some of the bigger guys in Hockey East have gotten called for elbowing, just because their elbows are at some of the average player's heads. I'm not saying nothing has ever been done without intent, but the bigger boys of all teams have been called for penalties that would not be pentalties in the NHL.

Thank you.
I know I can't possibly know as much as KIA, but trust me, whenever Brian Boyle made contact with someone, it was purely incidental. He's now in the NHL and still hasn't purposely laid a check on an opponent.

 

[FiveHole12]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

I don't remember Boyle ever purposely going after anyone's head. Do you?

Please refresh my memory. Got any specific hits, games?
I'll respond later... I'm outa here to attend a hockey game.

 

[Federal League]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

He's a typical BU poster, scarlet colored glasses the whole way. Not one of them realized what they have in Parker and not a handful of them knows the game any where near as well as the old BU fans. They USED to be the most knowldedgable fans in Hockey east, bar none! now they are right up there with the BC "go to the game to be seen" fans, drinking, not sitting in their seats, not paying any attention to the game and not knowing the difference between Boyle and Gerbe.

Knowing it all from the broadcast booth just makes Scott another knowitall, nothing more

I don't even know what to make of this post. I've never claimed to be a know-it-all. I know there are plenty of people on here who have followed HE a lot longer than I have and know a lot more than I do. Everything I've posted during this debate has been my personal opinion and I don't think I've passed any of it off as fact. Also, I can't tell if you're accusing me of being of the "go to be seen" variety who doesn't pay attention to the game, but that's pretty ridiculous if you are. My job, my only reason for being there, is to pay attention to the game. And the only reason my glasses would be scarlet-colored is that I cover BU. I focus on BU and talk about BU more than anyone else because, hello, I write for a BU audience. If I were a homer who wanted to make BU out to be a bunch of saints, would I have helped break the St. Paddy's Day drinking scandal last year?

 

[Kenny]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

Great hard fought game. All 3 games were. This is a huge leap for the program. Not only can we skate with BC, we can out muscle them, out shoot them, and out play them. Props to the Mr. Dennehy and to the team, they've worked hard for this and taking 4 out of 6 HE points from BC is a great reward. Keep moving forward now.

For someone who has watched a lot of Merrimack games over the years, they certainly have improved and are starting to believe. However, what has not changed, and will definitely get worse as they continue to play competitive games this year, is their inability to host big games. That place is brutal. The BC game was proof that their arena is substandard. Ridiculously long lines for tickets, one concession stand, and people standing 5 rows deep along the boards? The place is a disgrace to hockeyeast. Go rent out the old Tully Forum for future big games. If Merrimack supporters continue to defend this place, shame on you. The more big games you host as the team gets better and the games become more meaningful, the more embarrassing it will be. I guess if you show up 45 minutes early, with an empty bladder and a full stomach, you'll see the whole game, if not, good luck. Kudos to Dennehy for recruiting the western canadien players who don't bother coming to see the place. It seems to be working.

 

[acs64]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

For someone who has watched a lot of Merrimack games over the years, they certainly have improved and are starting to believe. However, what has not changed, and will definitely get worse as they continue to play competitive games this year, is their inability to host big games. That place is brutal. The BC game was proof that their arena is substandard. Ridiculously long lines for tickets, one concession stand, and people standing 5 rows deep along the boards? The place is a disgrace to hockeyeast. Go rent out the old Tully Forum for future big games. If Merrimack supporters continue to defend this place, shame on you. The more big games you host as the team gets better and the games become more meaningful, the more embarrassing it will be. I guess if you show up 45 minutes early, with an empty bladder and a full stomach, you'll see the whole game, if not, good luck. Kudos to Dennehy for recruiting the western canadien players who don't bother coming to see the place. It seems to be working.

Welcome to KIA's world. He accidentally stepped into a wormhole somewhere and sometime and hasnt been right for quite a while.

 

[sterlippo1]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

I don't even know what to make of this post. I've never claimed to be a know-it-all. I know there are plenty of people on here who have followed HE a lot longer than I have and know a lot more than I do. Everything I've posted during this debate has been my personal opinion and I don't think I've passed any of it off as fact. Also, I can't tell if you're accusing me of being of the "go to be seen" variety who doesn't pay attention to the game, but that's pretty ridiculous if you are. My job, my only reason for being there, is to pay attention to the game. And the only reason my glasses would be scarlet-colored is that I cover BU. I focus on BU and talk about BU more than anyone else because, hello, I write for a BU audience. If I were a homer who wanted to make BU out to be a bunch of saints, would I have helped break the St. Paddy's Day drinking scandal last year?

i tried to look at his post to see what context he was responding to but i think he deleted it, if so, smart move IMO because it's an asinine post. i, for one, don't care who sees me at conte and despite the rivalry, you cant say that crap about Terrier fans and there are a lot of them. i'm hoping that some of you dont get ahead of yourselves. you have a good thing going there and hopefully it will continue to grow but perhaps some of you need to temper it a bit right now. it's not even december yet

 

[Salvo1017]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

I think some of us are just sick and tired of people dumping on this team. It's been many many years of waiting, listening to people talk about how much Merrimack sucks etc. And I'll be the first to say it, we did. I'll also be the first to say that there is a lot of truth behind the statement that Merrimack used be a team full of thugs. It's 100% true.

But this team bears absolutely no relation to those teams of old...none. Those teams had no work ethic, this team does. Those teams could NOT skate with BC and BU for a full 60 minutes, this team can. Those teams HAD to resort to cheap physical play to win, this team takes the body but also has finesse skill.

We are all excited about the above factors...no one is saying this team will make the NCAAs and no one is crowning them the HE champs (like many people did with BC in the pre-season). If they are, then yes Sterlippo you have a good point.

We are just excited to be in the now...with a team that can compete and can outplay any team in the country on any given night. I've said it before...there's a reason you don't decide games by lining up two roster sheets side by side, you the play the games for a reason. And two out of three from supposedly "one of the best college hockey teams (on paper) ever" is something for us as a program to get excited about...really excited.

 

[sterlippo1]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

I think some of us are just sick and tired of people dumping on this team. It's been many many years of waiting, listening to people talk about how much Merrimack sucks etc. And I'll be the first to say it, we did. I'll also be the first to say that there is a lot of truth behind the statement that Merrimack used be a team full of thugs. It's 100% true.

But this team bears absolutely no relation to those teams of old...none. Those teams had no work ethic, this team does. Those teams could NOT skate with BC and BU for a full 60 minutes, this team can. Those teams HAD to resort to cheap physical play to win, this team takes the body but also has finesse skill.

We are all excited about the above factors...no one is saying this team will make the NCAAs and no one is crowning them the HE champs (like many people did with BC in the pre-season). If they are, then yes Sterlippo you have a good point.

We are just excited to be in the now...with a team that can compete and can outplay any team in the country on any given night. I've said it before...there's a reason you don't decide games by lining up two roster sheets side by side, you the play the games for a reason. And two out of three from supposedly "one of the best college hockey teams (on paper) ever" is something for us as a program to get excited about...really excited.

all true ...........i was responding to his post which was well, what i said. you guys have a good team this year, i don't think anyone is saying you dont ............

 

[Federal League]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

What sterlippo said. Regardless of what I think of Merrimack's style, there's no denying they're legit this year. I picked them 5th in the preseason and wouldn't at all be surprised to see them get home ice and/or end up at the Garden.

 

[claver2010]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

wouldn't at all be surprised to see them get home ice and/or end up at the Garden.

I think one is 100% contingent on the other.

 

[J.D.]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

We are all excited about the above factors...no one is saying this team will make the NCAAs and no one is crowning them the HE champs (like many people did with BC in the pre-season). If they are, then yes Sterlippo you have a good point.

And two out of three from supposedly "one of the best college hockey teams (on paper) ever" is something for us as a program to get excited about...really excited.

Salvo, I asked you before what your problem with BC was and you went on some spiel about how you actually love BC. What is the obsession? Forget about BC. Enjoy your team. Nobody is saying you shouldn't be excited...you definitely should be. Preseason predictions happen every year. Let me ask you something, who was your pick to win Hockey East this year?

 

[mwade]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

Forcing myself to "spam" everyone today (well the threads of teams I've shot this season at least).

Having a Cyber Monday sale on http://HockeyPhotography.com - 10% off prints with coupon code 2010-10 (enter on checkout page) or 15% off orders of $150 or more with coupon code 2010-15.

Merrimack galleries can be found here - http://hockeyphotography.photoshelt...y-Merrimack-College-Warriors/P0000BEmDYtLq9JU -
or enter your favorite player's name in the search box here - http://hockeyphotography.photoshelter.com/search-page

Prints make great holiday gifts for yourself or someone else.

Thanks,
-Melissa

 

[irishfan85]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

For someone who has watched a lot of Merrimack games over the years, they certainly have improved and are starting to believe. However, what has not changed, and will definitely get worse as they continue to play competitive games this year, is their inability to host big games. That place is brutal. The BC game was proof that their arena is substandard. Ridiculously long lines for tickets, one concession stand, and people standing 5 rows deep along the boards? The place is a disgrace to hockeyeast. Go rent out the old Tully Forum for future big games. If Merrimack supporters continue to defend this place, shame on you. The more big games you host as the team gets better and the games become more meaningful, the more embarrassing it will be. I guess if you show up 45 minutes early, with an empty bladder and a full stomach, you'll see the whole game, if not, good luck. Kudos to Dennehy for recruiting the western canadien players who don't bother coming to see the place. It seems to be working.

Merrimack has far less alumni than the big boys (newer school, smaller enrollment) and has far less resources to work with than the big boys. I think once the chairbacks get in on the other side and the visiting team not having to walk through the crowd (also in January) the arena will be fine for a school of Merrimack's size and resources. I'm a Blue Line Club member so I haven't had to deal with concession lines or bathrooms since 2000ish. However, if you get out to the bathroom at the end of a period, I'm sure the line isn't longer than 15 minutes. I have gone out to the lobby to pick up the free samples of hummus, which is quite good and never once have had to wait in line.

I'd love to see the far wall knocked down and bigger bleachers installed, but I doubt any of that is likely. Miami, Cornell and Clarkson all have smaller rinks that routinely (or at least used to in Clarkson's case) sell out, but they are all small schools that couldn't get big crowds in like Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, etc.

Besides BC, BU, UNH and Maine, Merrimack will never need more than 2500 capacity. I'd much rather have 2500 people in an arena of Lawler's size than 4,000 at Tsongas or Mullins Center. It's a terrible atmostphere watching a game at UMass-Amherst.

My favorite places to watch games in Hockey East for years now are Maine, UNH and Vermont. They had good teams, the rinks were packed and the fans were loud and it was the true "college football" atmosphere. Northeastern is another great college sporting event atmosphere when they are good. The old Walter Brown was one of my favorites. Place was wild, loud, etc. Merrimack is like that this year. The Alfond concession and bathroom lines are long as could be. I'll also add the lines are terrible at Matthews.

However, ever go to a college football game in the south and try to go the bathroom at halftime? It takes you the whole half, if you rush right out.

I'd much rather watch a game at Alfond, Lawler, Matthews, Gutterson, Whittemore than a game at Mullins, Tsongas or Conte that is half empty.

 

[Jacques "Rabbit" Poriveau]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

Firs ting, I like Merrimacks, no problem wif dem at alls.

Mais, mon dieu I was at zee Lawler dis weekends pour zee Warrior yute hockey turnament. I tink der maybe 40 peoples at de game. So we goes et sit on de side with the nice seats. Et some nimrod wif Staff rited on his coat tell us we not allow to sit der we need a go to da side wif da bleecheur.

Eh? Wotdf! Oh non, we sitted in you preshis plastique seet wif da back on it oh my gods we can't do dat. Dont you knowing how grate deez is, you can't sit on dem, you mite wear out de plastique, we tryin to keep dem nice. Mon Dieu, it was so small time it not even funny. You'd tink we asked to sit on zee queens velvet trown or someting.

Zat kinda da probleme wif da Mack, zey got a small time mentalty someting wicked. Zey gotta get ovure dat.

 

[SteveF]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

We are just excited to be in the now...with a team that can compete and can outplay any team in the country on any given night. I've said it before...there's a reason you don't decide games by lining up two roster sheets side by side, you the play the games for a reason. And two out of three from supposedly "one of the best college hockey teams (on paper) ever" is something for us as a program to get excited about...really excited.

the problem is that you are making a mountain out of a molehill. far be it from me to try to stop your internet orgasms over these two wins, but since the 1998-1999 season merrimack's home record against BC is 8-10-2; so they have always performed well enough at home. Granted, they had never won a season series up until now, but the blueprint for success isn't suddenly new. very bad merrimack teams have beaten very good BC teams before, it doesn't suddenly mean ZOMG WE CAN OUT SKATE AND OUT PLAY ANYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

fun fact: conversely, merrimack's road record against BC in that time is 0-17-2

 

[irishfan85]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

the problem is that you are making a mountain out of a molehill. far be it from me to try to stop your internet orgasms over these two wins, but since the 1998-1999 season merrimack's home record against BC is 8-10-2; so they have always performed well enough at home. Granted, they had never won a season series up until now, but the blueprint for success isn't suddenly new. very bad merrimack teams have beaten very good BC teams before, it doesn't suddenly mean ZOMG WE CAN OUT SKATE AND OUT PLAY ANYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

fun fact: conversely, merrimack's road record against BC in that time is 0-17-2

I agree some terrible Merrimack teams have upset some very good BC teams, but for the most part it was because of the effort of the goaltender and one or two superstars (like Rosa, Aquino, etc). This year's Merrimack team has outshot some of the big boys, which in years past never happened or very rarely happened. Just look at the box scores.

I would like some of the younger MC fan base to take a chill, be supportive of the team and coaches, realize we're a much smaller school and it's hard to compete against the big boys. Be happy for the school and the program, but running our mouths when we've won one NCAA Division II title and haven't had a winning season since the 80s, looks very foolish.

 

[Kenny]

Re: Merrimack College 2010-2011: taking H.E. one chair-back seat at a time

Merrimack has far less alumni than the big boys (newer school, smaller enrollment) and has far less resources to work with than the big boys. I think once the chairbacks get in on the other side and the visiting team not having to walk through the crowd (also in January) the arena will be fine for a school of Merrimack's size and resources. I'm a Blue Line Club member so I haven't had to deal with concession lines or bathrooms since 2000ish. However, if you get out to the bathroom at the end of a period, I'm sure the line isn't longer than 15 minutes. I have gone out to the lobby to pick up the free samples of hummus, which is quite good and never once have had to wait in line.

I'd love to see the far wall knocked down and bigger bleachers installed, but I doubt any of that is likely. Miami, Cornell and Clarkson all have smaller rinks that routinely (or at least used to in Clarkson's case) sell out, but they are all small schools that couldn't get big crowds in like Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, etc.

Besides BC, BU, UNH and Maine, Merrimack will never need more than 2500 capacity. I'd much rather have 2500 people in an arena of Lawler's size than 4,000 at Tsongas or Mullins Center. It's a terrible atmostphere watching a game at UMass-Amherst.

My favorite places to watch games in Hockey East for years now are Maine, UNH and Vermont. They had good teams, the rinks were packed and the fans were loud and it was the true "college football" atmosphere. Northeastern is another great college sporting event atmosphere when they are good. The old Walter Brown was one of my favorites. Place was wild, loud, etc. Merrimack is like that this year. The Alfond concession and bathroom lines are long as could be. I'll also add the lines are terrible at Matthews.

However, ever go to a college football game in the south and try to go the bathroom at halftime? It takes you the whole half, if you rush right out.

I'd much rather watch a game at Alfond, Lawler, Matthews, Gutterson, Whittemore than a game at Mullins, Tsongas or Conte that is half empty.

This is the problem with the alumni. It's not, big boys vs. little boys, it's that you put up with it. Please do not put Lawlor in the same breath as Alfond, Matthews, The Gutt, or Whittemore. Lawlor doesn't belong in the same breath as 3/4 of the DIII arenas. Seriously, it's ignorant to defend that place. The students weren't even there and it couldn't hold a Friday afternoon game. The sad part is the locals are great hockey fans. There have been numerous local players to go on to college and the pro's, they would jump on this program in a heartbeat if they ever invested in it. Don't talk about resources, if the school wanted to commit to the program it would. The arena hasn't changed, other that some Mary Kay cosmetic touch ups, since the 80's. To be in hockeyeast and have people standing 5 rows deep ice level is pathetic. It doesn't happen at any other of your Lawlor "comparables".

You are stuck in the 80's when the place would rock for games against Bowdoin. The team has definitely progressed to big time, time for the rink to follow suit. Instead of defending the place, demand a better facility.