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

[Nick Papagiorgio]

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

Let's let Coach Dennehy and the Warriors prove on the ice that they are a legitimate NCAA Tournament contender and home ice team in Hockey East and enjoy the ride. I'm sure some BC fans will laugh at that, but that is the truth. I'm not predicting Merrimack will make the tournament, but I'd bet they'll be a TUC when March rolls around.

Well said. I hope some level-headed Merrimack fans like yourself can convince Salvo to take his hand out of his pants for a little while. Let's see if Merrimack can win a road game before February this season before worrying about the NCAAs. Big problem last year and so far it still is a problem as Merrimack is winless on the road (aside from that moral victory on Friday night at Conte according to Salvo).

 

[Hokydad]

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

Here's my take, as a Merrimack fan:

I do not like a lot of the BC fan base, but I have a tremendous amount of respect for the BC hockey program. With the exception of maybe two seasons since 1998, BC has been in the hunt for a Frozen Four bid and made a ton of Frozen Fours. They have taken 3 NCAA Championships in 10 years, including two of the past three. Jerry York runs a class program.

Merrimack has their best team since 1996-1997 when the finished 5th, but got home ice due to Maine being ineligible for the post-season. They have guys sitting out of the line-up that would have been top two line guys at the end of the Serino era.

I'm ecstatic as a Merrimack fan, but at the end of the day, I realize BC will most likely be back at the Frozen Four. They have all the talent in the world and one of, if not the best coach in the business.

I did not attend either school, but BC has far greater resources than Merrimack. BC has by far more advantages to succeed in Division I hockey than Merrimack. So, as a Merrimack fan, I'd love to see Merrimack graduate their hockey players, be respectable members of the community and contend for home ice every year. I believe all that is possible with a good coach like Dennehy.

BC, BU, Maine and UNH should have loftier expectations because they have the history, the financial support and the name recognition that Merrimack simply does not have. Case in point, if Minnesota was 2-1-2 with a win over the defending national champs and a blowout victory along with a loss to the said defending national champs and two ties, including one against an NCAA Tournament team of a year ago, there would be no doubt they'd be in the Top 20.

Merrimack should be proud of their hockey history, having an NCAA Division II Championship, a run to the NCAA Division I quarterfinals before falling to eventual champs Lake Superior in 1988, and hosting a home ice series in 1997 and advancing to the Garden in Ron Anderson's final season in 1998.

Let's let Coach Dennehy and the Warriors prove on the ice that they are a legitimate NCAA Tournament contender and home ice team in Hockey East and enjoy the ride. I'm sure some BC fans will laugh at that, but that is the truth. I'm not predicting Merrimack will make the tournament, but I'd bet they'll be a TUC when March rolls around.

Merrimack being a good/solid etam is great for Hockey East, love to watch them play. Great buzz at the rink and the energy level at home games is awesome.

BUT, lets not let having Decosat and Cannata turn into, "MC has kids sitiing in the stands who would have been top 2 liners at the end of Serino era."

No they wouldnt. Decosta and Cannata are 2 of the top players in the league and if you took them away, MC would be in 10th place. If you took away Cam Atkinson and Muse for example, BC would still be 1 or 2. Just like at BU is year when all the kids left, they are still undefeated.

MC is doing great but having 2 potential all americans does not make the other players elite. Both will probably be gone after this year, maybe not, and I would bet MC would be back to normal, BC/BU etc will just keep chugging along.

MC is a great story because of JC and SD. If you think they have any Charlie Coyles or Kevin Hayes etc in the pipeline, I would say I kindly disagree. Just look at BU/BC Heisnenberg list for next couple years.

 

[Salvo1017]

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

Merrimack has 19 goals on the year spread out across 12 players. Is Stephane leading the pack, you bet, but the numbers show a strong merrimack team regardless.

19 goals spread across 12 players
11 of those 19 goals were scored by non seniors NOT including sophomore Da Costa.

That's pretty impressive and I think it provides direct evidence that HoDad's reasoning is not sound. Nearly 60% of the scoring so far from the warriors have come from people who more than likely, barring injury, won't be leaving at the end of this year (does not include Da Costa).

It's early and yes we need to see these numbers play out etc. If you look at the numbers right now for BC...nearly 50% of their scoring is coming from seniors...now like I said it's early and we need to let this play out. I have all the confidence in the world that Kreider is gonna start performing and BC is going to see its numbers even out better.

But as of right now, with the numbers as they are for Merrimack I don't see how taking away Da Costa would absolutely sink this team..the numbers just don't support that.

As for JC, ya you're absolutely right, we'd be up the proverbial creek without him this year. That being said, I think the Finnish Frosh coming in from Topeka (same goalie coach who taught Rask if I'm not mistaken) Rasmus Tirronen is absolutely the real deal and will provide a solid alternative to JC if Vancouver chooses to take him early which is a real possibility now that Schneider was called up from the AHL.

 

[Hokydad]

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

Merrimack has 19 goals on the year spread out across 12 players. Is Stephan leading the pack, you bet, but the numbers show a strong merrimack team regardless.

19 goals spread across 12 players
11 of those 19 goals were scored by non seniors NOT including sophomore Da Costa.

That's pretty impressive and I think it provides direct evidence that HoDad's reasoning is not sound. Nearly 60% of the scoring so far from the warriors have come from people who more than likely, barring injury, won't be leaving at the end of this year (does not include Da Costa).

It's early and yes we need to see these numbers play out etc. If you look at the numbers right now for BC...nearly 50% of their scoring is coming from seniors...now like I said it's early and we need to let this play out. I have all the confidence in the world that Kreider is gonna start performing and BC is going to see its numbers even out better.

But as of right now, with the numbers as they are for Merrimack I don't see how taking away Da Costa would absolutely sink this team..the numbers just don't support that.

As for JC, ya you're absolutely right, we'd be up the proverbial creek without him this year. That being said, I think the Finnish Frosh coming in from Topeka (same team Rask came from if I'm not mistaken) Rasmus Tirronen is absolutely the real deal and will provide a solid alternative to JC if Vancouver chooses to take him early which is a real possibility now that Schneider was called up from the AHL.

excellant points and I hope you are right. Line matching etc have a lot to do with your stats and from watching the games, SD creates the vast majority of their high end chances.

These are Tirronen's stats of pointstreak for his last 5 games, in the NAHL, a very soft league which is a feeder for the USHL. trust me when I tell you he is not JC. Has given up 3 or more eevry game in that period.

GOALIE GAME LOG - NAHL 2010-2011 (Last 5 Games)
DATE GAME RESULT DESC MIN GA SA SV
10/30/10 at Springfield 6-4 W 60:00 4 34 30
10/23/10 vs St. Louis 0-3 L 60:00 3 13 10
10/22/10 vs St. Louis 6-3 W 60:00 3 24 21
10/15/10 at Amarillo 2-4 - 18:25 0 7 7
10/08/10 at Wichita Falls 6-3 W 60:00 3 39 36

 

[jcarter7669]

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

Merrimack has 19 goals on the year spread out across 12 players.

19 goals spread across 12 players
11 of those 19 goals were scored by non seniors NOT including sophomore Da Costa.

That's pretty impressive

Putting up 11 goals againt UConn and Niagra is hardly impressive... no matter who scored them.

Right now 38% of the points MC has scored will be leaving at the end of the year.

Right now 42% of MC's goals have had the name Da Costa associated with it.

Right now 74% of MC's goals have involved DaCosta, Cucci, or Barton... all of whom will be leaving at the end of the year.


MC has a good team and will be in the mix this year... and I'm not trying to be a downer here, but I think the "Wait and see" advice is warranted here.

 

[Salvo1017]

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

trust me

haha whenever someone proceeds an argument with "trust me" a flashy bulb starts going off in my head.

I think he'll do great here, especially if he can split some time with Cannata next year before taking over the role...obviously that is outside our control and is in the hands of Vancouver.

I was extremely impressed by the all freshman line Dennehy rolled out agains UConn..sure it's UConn...but still they looked good together out there...I don't think other's success is souly based on Steph

Don't get me wrong though, he's obviously a HUGE part of this offense, as is Barton and Cucci. But I still think these recruits are pretty solid, especially Bates, he has impressed me tremendously and I'm gonna love watching him progress the next few years.

 

[RENCEB]

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

What's up with Velleca? I was impressed by his play last year against BU in the playoffs. Is he hurt or has he been a healthy scratch? Only played in 1 game so far.

 

[Salvo1017]

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

Ya not really sure, he scored a goal in the game he played too. I'll raise the question on today's live blog during the Sweden match up at 12.

Always liked Velleca, kid has some wheels

 

[Salvo1017]

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

whoever neg repped me joking about how special ed is 1 on 1...please know that you're a d-bag, not my fault you were stuck in some ungodly huge intro class, no need to make fun of the mentally handicapped. I'm sure many of us on here, like me, have autistic family members and friends, there's no place for that kind of middle school crap here, take it someplace else.

 

[RENCEB]

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

whoever neg repped me joking about how special ed is 1 on 1...please know that you're a d-bag, not my fault you were stuck in some ungodly huge intro class, no need to make fun of the mentally handicapped. I'm sure many of us on here, like me, have autistic family members and friends, there's no place for that kind of middle school crap here, take it someplace else.

shake it off. The maturity level of posters runs a wide gamut, don't let some nitwit's anynomous rep get under your skin. Now, more important matters:
Were there any Swedish moms in attendance at the game on Tuesday? Would have been reason enough to be there!
Any update on Vellaca?
What do you think about Frday vs. the Friars?

 

[Salvo1017]

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

shake it off. The maturity level of posters runs a wide gamut, don't let some nitwit's anynomous rep get under your skin. Now, more important matters:
Were there any Swedish moms in attendance at the game on Tuesday? Would have been reason enough to be there!
Any update on Vellaca?
What do you think about Frday vs. the Friars?

hahaha wish I could have been there to see for myself, I was stuck in Contracts class...

From what I hear they looked good, granted they had just played Harvard the night before and were probably pretty gassed, they played a tight game at Harvard.

No news on Velleca, I'm hoping to see him in the lineup more. Bates has some serious speed and having Velleca bring that speed to another line would be a great addition I think.

Providence has surprised so far...win against NU, a loss in OT to UML, a tight 1-2 loss at agganis, tie at UMass, win vs UMass.

While the wins against UMass and NU are nothing to brag about (especially with NU losing to two AH teams) they have shown they can skate with BU. They certainly aren't going to be a pushover, they almost ended our season last year when we managed to tie them.

Stick with the forecheck it was very effective against BC I think it's important to keep the puck in the O-Zone and keep the pressure on Beaudry. Wouldn't mind seeing Bates on the stretch every now and then either.

 

[irishfan85]

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

I would also like to know what is up with Vellecca, but no one seems to know. I wish one of the media types would ask Coach Dennehy.

There were no Swedish moms that I could see, but a lot of scouts.

Merrimack is the better team than Providence and must come away with a win before a big home-and-home series with BU.

 

[Salvo1017]

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

ya, I'll be down at PC early, last time I was there coach and I chatted a bit before warmups, if the opportunity arises I'll ask him.

A win is def much needed here, I can only assume the team is focused and ready to to go make it happen

 

[irishfan85]

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

Will be there, as well. Go Warriors!

 

[irishfan85]

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

I have two tickets for less than face value at center ice for the game at BU next Friday if any Merrimack fan is interested. Let me know with an email or on here.

 

[WDR357]

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

Although I agree with some of hoky's points, particularly on the goalie situation, no guarantees that either DaCosta or Cannata are gone after this year. If Nyquist can come back for a junior year, so can DaCosta. I see their biggest issue for next year being Cucci's graduation. He's a solid 2nd line center and I'm not so sure Madsen can provide the game he can for 20 minutes a night. Maybe not even DaCosta plays in the NHL but I look at this Merrimack team and see at least 8-10 players who will play some sort of professional hockey, either minors or Europe. Not a bare cupboard outside of DaCosta as some people surmise.

 

[RENCEB]

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

PC 2-0 with and ENG. Sigh, the road woes continue. Beaudry with the SO. Congrats to the Friars.

 

[WarriorDJ]

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

PC 2-0 with and ENG. Sigh, the road woes continue. Beaudry with the SO. Congrats to the Friars.

It's really a shame the boys couldn't grab a point out of the weekend...

Beaudry really was never challenged--a very good goaltender in his own right--but Merrimack got away from the key element in their game: "attack" as Coach Dennehy puts it.

A couple of items that will get lost in this loss:

Mike Collins missed the game-tying goal (and his first collegiate tally) by a few tenths of a second (video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XKITI9vWZ4&feature=player_embedded)

Joe Cannata played very well in this game, his only goal against was a 2nd chance/3rd chance opportunity--not much he could do.

Now the boys need to work hard this week to get ready for the vaunted BU: who I am willing to bet they want a piece of after last year's playoff exit...

 

[WarriorDJ]

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

Although I agree with some of hoky's points, particularly on the goalie situation, no guarantees that either DaCosta or Cannata are gone after this year. If Nyquist can come back for a junior year, so can DaCosta.

Here's how I see it:

Da Costa is not likely to come back next year. He turned down multiple offers in the offseason--and really, this season is a gift. As a Merrimack fan, I plan on watching him play every game I can, because I don't know when his time will be up.

Cannata is an interesting one--Vancouver can obvously grab him whenever they want. I feel like the year he has will dictate whether or not he comes back. By that I mean if he continues to play this well end to end, he is definitely moving on up. Personally, I think if he struggles the Canucks might be reserved to leave him here for one more season. Ultimately, I see this as his last year because he has been stellar thusfar.

You make a good point that a bunch of these guys could go pro--no doubt in my mind--and it speaks to the quality of recruits that Dennehy has turned around since he adopted the program...

 

[Salvo1017]

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

Line shake up for this weekend against BU? Where is Velleca, strap some skates to that kid and get him in there.