Re: Michigan Tech 2013-2014: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Realignment
They kind of jumped all around with no game last weekend. Interesting here Damon thought we should've had another recruit on the central scouting list in Joel L'Esperance.
Mel Pearson show summary for 1-20, Damon Whitten filling in for Mel, Mel will be at the huskies night out tonight at the Mine Shaft:
We got a lot out of scrimmage on Saturday, want to mimic game condition/speed
Put some guys in situations to see how they'd do
Difficult to miss a weekend of games, for conditioning etc, guys did a good job and we learned a lot of good things
Patrick Anderson, good goal, good for bubble guys to see them in game setting. Patrick, never question what he'll bring, good for him
Davis, good, Fillion/Stebner had don't him me gray sweaters, Fillion is good at getting pucks through, good back door pass from blueline, he played well, he's still a ways away
Jimmy showed well too, for him it's game speed and timing, did a good job playing with Leibinger
Tougher for Dman not playing in games, than a forward, everything magnified when you turn a puck over etc
Goaltending: Phillips good, best performing, didn't get up any goals.
Pheonix probably wanted 2 goals back, 1st goal, J. Johnstone put shot to the net, and handcuffs Pheonix
PP goal by D. Johnston, off Pheonix glove, couldn't do much on other 2 goals, can't give up easy goals because we're not scoring enough right now
Black had 3 quick goals, 2 by players filling in to make up a team, we've made a point of emphasis of getting pucks to the net/dirty goals, starting to show up
D. Johnstone had a goal - looking better/better, such a threat on the puck, he's a guy that can score and will help get our Offense on track
Everyone benefits by having D. Johnstone back, other teams focus on him, giving space to others on the ice
They reviewed other WCHA games:
Ferris gets swept by Mankato, surprised by number of goals given up by Ferris
Talked to coach about it Saturday, can't say they were unbelievable plays, but Mankato took advanatage of opportunities and good PP 5-11 on weekend
On playing Ferris again:
We were happy with Saturday adjustments against Ferris, allowed us to dominate time of possession, shots etc
Want our D to get more pucks to the net, they block shot well, need to get pucks through, and want Forwards to use sticks to be a tip option
Our forwards need to battle to get loose in front of the net for 2nd chance opportunities
We had 3/4 players with 5 SOG, did everything but win the game, good effort, discipline, etc, been the story too much this season
For Damon, try to find comparisons, at MSU football, last year they lost 5 games by less than 13 points, this year rose bowl, we're so close to doing things, need to get through offensive scoring woes
On Fillion, Davis, Stebner: Stebner is questionable right now, anticipate him playing, especially by Saturday
Also of note in scrimmage Watson, Sweeney rock solid, never thought our team defense would be what it is, with injuries etc, those two have been rock solid all year long
Dirk - realized how good Watson has been when he had a so-so game Friday at Ferris, he's been un-noticeable in a positive way because he's been so solid all year
Cliff is a guy that'll show up and battle against anyone, mistakes are few and far between
Fillion not available, but we're generally healthy back there, Sova, Davis etc. Davis can play, he deserves more of an opportunity, his compete level is off the charts, it's about game reads/timing
Give our freshmen Dmen credit, it's hard, they've done a great job, 12th in nation on GAA, forwards/centermen also done a good job
Hard to take a dman out, probably wont happen because of a bad shift or two, maybe a poor week of practice, they've done a great job, but we've got a few guys trying to get in the lineup
On WCHA standings:
We're 5 points out of last home ice spot, that was one of our goals, we've got work to do
Want to win WCHA playoffs too, have goals
We have some home games coming up, hoping fans come out, and we want to make some hay, part of it is waking up the offense, and special teams
Damon hasn't seen Mankato yet on film, will watch the Ferris/Mankato series this week
Northern series will be great, its already intense, but points will be huge
BG stands out as a weekend we should've got more points, played well but don't get more points,
On goaltending:
For Damon - haven't talked as a staff- Jamie played well and is our best goalie right now
We'll evaluate these guys all week in practice, hope Jamie has a few more good days and push each other competitively
We'd still love to get Wintjes an opportunity to play
Reid Sturos has been in lineup consistently - he does a lot of things, he'll get stronger working with Shelast, skates well, underrated, create problems, he's earned it, didn't play at first
His IQ and skating give him a chance to be a special player
Blake P - didn't have start he's capable of, along with some others, but Blake's back, played like a man against Ferris, showed the old Blake P, fast, strong etc
Blake was on the same page, new he was a bit off, had some nagging injuries, but wanted to give him what's needed to be successful, a lot of dialogue with all our players, he focused on his preparation, it's paid off, playing his best hockey
Think there's some pressure, with NHL drafted, for upperclassmen that this is their last few months, maybe signing a pro contact, there's a lot of outward pressures, etc, also have exams, classroom stuff
On Alex Petan, he's playing his best hockey, great PP goal at Ferris, will be a catalyst for us, need to find the most effective spot for him
Bob Daniels of Ferris liked a late change for his matchup, will be a benefit of being at home to have last change
Coaches can over do it too, We'll get matchup we want against their top line, can change dynamics of the game
Our best defensive Dmen, fortunate in that we're not overly worried about it, we'll play Watson/Sweeny, behind that Hanna/Stebner, Leibinger/Hyland last weekend were playing well too, not as worried about matchups when everyone playing well
Three future Huskies on Central Scouting Lists:
Great season by them, they join Birks and Jake Jackson who are also draft picks
It's the easy part to be recognized, they know there's a target on their back, Gillies highest ranked draft guy from BCHL, watched his game online recently, good on the PP, poised, he's had a good year
He's 7th in the league in scoring, missed 7/8 game playing for Team Canada West
Blacklock has battled some injuries, was leading league, missed Team Canada West too, been in/out of lineup lately due to nagging injury, Mason will add size down the middle that we lost with JJ
Hannoun, most skilled of the bunch, creative visionary, may need to play harder every shift, elite PP guy
A lot of skill coming in
Joe L'Esperance, surprised he's off the list, a lot of NHL scouting teams have touched base on him, he's 3rd in USHL in goals scored, guessing he gets moved to USHL playoff contender, he has a chance to get drafted
Big compliment to what recruiting is doing, it's nice recognition for Tech and what they players have accomplished
We went very hard the first few years, tried to be around the team more this year, we're excited about recruits, they've done great things
Dylan Styman, Mark Auk both playing for a good Cedar Rapids team
Evan Anderson been injured, but was top 10 scorer, 6'2" centerman, big strong kid, excited about the future
But at the same time we don't have patience, coaches losing our minds sitting where we're at in standings, trying to do something about our current fortunes
Questions for Damon:
CJ Eick, are there type of teams, CJ's talent show more.
Potentially, most players are like that, with favorable matchups. He skates well, so threat against anyone.
Ferris using size can be tougher for CJ because space isn't there, dangerous coming up wing.
CJ is great guy in locker room, works hard everyday. Puts pressure on our D everyday to help prepare for weekend.
Can see big jumps in players Freshmen to Sophmore
But Damon learned from Pearson this relentless drive to always get better, they had so much success at Michigan because what you've done isn't good enough, coach is great at pushing guys and team to always get better, so much passion/drive to improve yourself and program
Has lack of PP been coaching or player/talent issues?
It has to be both. We lost two guys in net front presence, JJ and Gordic, big bodies in front of the net. Lost some key guys, we may have not done a great job recognizing the net presence. We can do a better job coaching net front presence etc. We have skill/talent
Sometimes hockey gods too, bounces, called off goals etc.
Would failure to get home ice be a failure?
Yes, we had a goal to get home ice. Yes we'll be disappointed. We're still trying to improve in some areas, talent/leadership wise. We'll do that through recruiting/coaching etc.
Big weekened coming up.
On Friday night, first 500, pregame party with free food drink starting at 6. Get there early. It's huge to get people in early. We changed student ticket process which was huge to get students in there. We appreciate our fans, and when they're there early, Glad we can throw this pre-party, players will appreciate it.
Saturday night is youth hockey night. Youth $5, wear your jersey, cool to see all the different youth teams.
It'll be good hockey. Those game at Ferris, most entertaining hockey all year. Physical series, we play with pace, offense scoring chances etc. They'll be a top 10 team.
They'll be angry, there got 1 DQ and possibly more after review. Will be a great weekend of hockey.
