NESCAC season 2014-2015

[HockeyEast33]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

Actually, there were 4 penalties against NESCAC teams this season that were not 2 minute minors: 5 for boarding by Amherst vs. Williams, 5 for roughing by Trinity at Williams, and 5 for butt ending, plus 10 DQ by Williams @ Conn College.

So no game misconducts against Trinity.

A tip of the cap to Coach Steele for changing her team's style of play in the right direction. I used to think they were the chippiest/dirtiest team in the league, with multiple 10 minute penalties in recent seasons. Of their 200 penalty minutes this year, only 122 in conference play (3rd behind Trinity's 161 and Midd's 130). May be at least part of why she's COTY.

Best of luck to all the teams still standing.

Stand corrected on the Trinity misconducts - I looked at all of their games and misread the USM game penalties as disqualifications but they were not.

It does appear that Coach Steele may have learned that beating your opponent into submission isn't really a winning strategy - only took around 10-15 years. So kudos.... sort of. In the end they reverted to old ways against Bowdoin and ended up giving up 2 power play goals in the last 6 minutes for the tie and eventual overtime loss.

 

[CrossCheck]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

Stand corrected on the Trinity misconducts - I looked at all of their games and misread the USM game penalties as disqualifications but they were not.

It does appear that Coach Steele may have learned that beating your opponent into submission isn't really a winning strategy - only took around 10-15 years. So kudos.... sort of. In the end they reverted to old ways against Bowdoin and ended up giving up 2 power play goals in the last 6 minutes for the tie and eventual overtime loss.

Well kudos to you for being semi-clueless. "beating your opponent into submission". LOL Hardly.

They're bigger issue is retaliation penalties when the cheap stuff isn't called and they react to it...the reaction usually gets called, not the initial penalty...in particular with the A+ Refs we have here in nescac. Even the Butt-end by the Williams girl was missed by both refs [the linesman called it]..and even then the refs didn't want to call it...and as soon as Conn scored on the 5min major, they evened things up by calling a mystery trip away from the play. As for the late penalties in the Bowdoin game...again, hardly "reverting to old ways"....were you even there? Again, totally clueless. Stick to watching Trinity or Williams games if you want to watch dirty hockey teams.

 

[obserbear]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

As for the late penalties in the Bowdoin game...again, hardly "reverting to old ways"....were you even there?

I was at Dayton and I have to say Conn would be playing at Kenyon this weekend had they not taken the late penalties. Bowdoin was battling through the 3rd, but taking 3 penalties after going up 2-0 at 9:19 of the 3rd (especially the body checking in the offensive zone corner at 9:50...even though the Polar Bears did not score on that pp) just was not playing smart.

 

[CrossCheck]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

I was at Dayton and I have to say Conn would be playing at Kenyon this weekend had they not taken the late penalties. Bowdoin was battling through the 3rd, but taking 3 penalties after going up 2-0 at 9:19 of the 3rd (especially the body checking in the offensive zone corner at 9:50...even though the Polar Bears did not score on that pp) just was not playing smart.

I was there and saw the 'body check' penalty...It was a case of a much bigger girl making contact with a smaller girl who was off-balance and may have been going down already...the ref reacted more to the SOUND of the contact than the actual act [both girls were going for the puck and there was incidental contact they allow all the time] and called the penalty. I have a theory that the nescac refs can't just let the kids play the game...they have this overpowering need to interject themselves into the outcome of games. If it's been 10 min without a call, you can bet that the next boarder-line play, even if away from the play with no bearing on a scoring chance or even a safety issue...that meaningless contact, etc. will draw a penalty...especially if it's a one goal or a tie game, and they really like to make calls in the last 3 min. or so.... [unless it's Middlebury making the contact of course].

 

[AlwaysZone8]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

One of the biggest plays of the game, thought it turned the tide:late in third, Bowdoin goalie pulled, Conn clears, its probably going in for 3-1 Conn lead but a PB dove to make last second block..don't know which PB it was, but great play..

 

[CrossCheck]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

One of the biggest plays of the game, thought it turned the tide:late in third, Bowdoin goalie pulled, Conn clears, its probably going in for 3-1 Conn lead but a PB dove to make last second block..don't know which PB it was, but great play..

Totally agree...not sure who it was, but it was a feet-first slide that was 100% a game saver...without that block the game's over. Also a Conn player later [with goalie pulled] had a clear shot from the redline and instead chose to take it into the offensive zone where she was forced wide and turned it over...#1 scorer who had several empty netters this year...was a bit surprised by that decision not to just shoot as she crossed the red-line.

 

[obserbear]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

Anyone else planning to be at Kenyon for this weekend's action?

 

[PrezdeJohnson09]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

Anyone else planning to be at Kenyon for this weekend's action?

I'll be at "the other" beautiful D-III rink in Vermont.

 

[HockeyEast33]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

Well kudos to you for being semi-clueless. "beating your opponent into submission". LOL Hardly.

They're bigger issue is retaliation penalties when the cheap stuff isn't called and they react to it...the reaction usually gets called, not the initial penalty...in particular with the A+ Refs we have here in nescac. Even the Butt-end by the Williams girl was missed by both refs [the linesman called it]..and even then the refs didn't want to call it...and as soon as Conn scored on the 5min major, they evened things up by calling a mystery trip away from the play. As for the late penalties in the Bowdoin game...again, hardly "reverting to old ways"....were you even there? Again, totally clueless. Stick to watching Trinity or Williams games if you want to watch dirty hockey teams.

Figured this would bring you out of the woodwork (you're too predictable - mix it up a little) . Whether you like it or not, it is well-established on this forum and others (and by many many posters that have longer term knowledge than me) that for many years Conn under Steele has consistently been one of the most penalized and dirtiest teams in the NESCAC - live in ignorance if you choose. Hence the "beating the opponent into submission" comment. Generally it was because her recruiting wasn't great and this was how they chose to compete with a lower level of talent (note in her COTY award it says that the 4th place finish this year is the highest in her 14 year tenure - not exactly a positive commentary on the level of play at Conn over the years).

This season, with a high level of talent on the team, they appear to have made a conscious effort to reduce penalties and it resulted in their highest finish ever. Hence the kudos. But in the QF, they took 2 (really 3) penalties in the last 10 minutes of the game that cost them dearly and they are done as a result - they reverted to previous form (lots of penalties). Yes, I know, it was the referees fault.....blame and sputter away...

I wasn't at the butt-end game but heard it was a pretty bad penalty - but the officials called it so what is the issue - you're mad because the RIGHT official didn't call it - does it matter? Really....

BTW - I had never been to Conn rink before this season, but wow is it bad. No dressing room for the visiting team in the rink - have to walk half way across the athletic complex?? Rink itself reminds me of bad inner-city youth rinks - it was actually depressing. Holy moly, no wonder they have had trouble recruiting - worst rink in the NESCAC by far in my opinion (even Hamilton and Amherst are better).

 

[obserbear]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

I'll be at "the other" beautiful D-III rink in Vermont.

(

Kreitzberg is a wonderful place to visit (looking forward to the East/West...by the by, can you sub in Gustavus or UWRF or someone for Manhattanville next year???).

 

[CrossCheck]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

Figured this would bring you out of the woodwork (you're too predictable - mix it up a little) . Whether you like it or not, it is well-established on this forum and others (and by many many posters that have longer term knowledge than me) that for many years Conn under Steele has consistently been one of the most penalized and dirtiest teams in the NESCAC - live in ignorance if you choose. Hence the "beating the opponent into submission" comment. Generally it was because her recruiting wasn't great and this was how they chose to compete with a lower level of talent (note in her COTY award it says that the 4th place finish this year is the highest in her 14 year tenure - not exactly a positive commentary on the level of play at Conn over the years).

This season, with a high level of talent on the team, they appear to have made a conscious effort to reduce penalties and it resulted in their highest finish ever. Hence the kudos. But in the QF, they took 2 (really 3) penalties in the last 10 minutes of the game that cost them dearly and they are done as a result - they reverted to previous form (lots of penalties). Yes, I know, it was the referees fault.....blame and sputter away...

I wasn't at the butt-end game but heard it was a pretty bad penalty - but the officials called it so what is the issue - you're mad because the RIGHT official didn't call it - does it matter? Really....

BTW - I had never been to Conn rink before this season, but wow is it bad. No dressing room for the visiting team in the rink - have to walk half way across the athletic complex?? Rink itself reminds me of bad inner-city youth rinks - it was actually depressing. Holy moly, no wonder they have had trouble recruiting - worst rink in the NESCAC by far in my opinion (even Hamilton and Amherst are better).

Well, good to see you're still as clueless as ever. The team is hardly 'dirty'...perhaps you can explain the 6 or 7 concussions THEY received this year alone from the 'angels' they play against [some so severe players were out for the entire season]....I know, I know...all just 'accidents' I'm sure...LOL

As for the 3 late penalties in the Bowdoin game, if you'd bothered to look, they were hardly 'dirty' or 'reverting to form'...I think a tripping and interference...whereas the Poobears were called for several checking, slashing, etc. calls during the game. But why let the facts spoil your argument when your on such a nice roll, eh. [also notice how many the stripes called in the 3rd on both teams...they just cant help themselves].


As for the rink comments...well, I know it's not the Trump Palace but who cares....

Must really bother you and the rest of the Old Boys that this tiny little former all-girls school, the last to join nescac, with no real athletic history, 1/10th the endowment, no 'bending' the admission rules for athletes, with a 'dump' of a rink, can not only compete but win against the best of the nescac.... and somehow with all those negatives they can still out-recruit many of the other schools...waaaaa and they play in a waaaaaaa "dump"...Sorry it bothers you so much. Get over it.

 

[HockeyEast33]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

Well, good to see you're still as clueless as ever. The team is hardly 'dirty'...perhaps you can explain the 6 or 7 concussions THEY received this year alone from the 'angels' they play against [some so severe players were out for the entire season]....I know, I know...all just 'accidents' I'm sure...LOL

As for the 3 late penalties in the Bowdoin game, if you'd bothered to look, they were hardly 'dirty' or 'reverting to form'...I think a tripping and interference...whereas the Poobears were called for several checking, slashing, etc. calls during the game. But why let the facts spoil your argument when your on such a nice roll, eh. [also notice how many the stripes called in the 3rd on both teams...they just cant help themselves].


As for the rink comments...well, I know it's not the Trump Palace but who cares....

Must really bother you and the rest of the Old Boys that this tiny little former all-girls school, the last to join nescac, with no real athletic history, 1/10th the endowment, no 'bending' the admission rules for athletes, with a 'dump' of a rink, can not only compete but win against the best of the nescac.... and somehow with all those negatives they can still out-recruit many of the other schools...waaaaa and they play in a waaaaaaa "dump"...Sorry it bothers you so much. Get over it.

Always fun....

So, I didn't say that this year's team was dirty, I was referring to prior years. If you read and absorbed what I wrote, then you would know that what I wrote was that now that they had talent that they had stopped playing dirty and taking penalties at previous rates and that they had their best season ever as a result. And that in the last 10 minutes of the Bowdoin game they returned to previous form by taking penalties that cost them the game (didn't say those penalties were dirty). You just read what you want to create an argument rather than what is written.

Talk about an inferiority complex/paranoia..... just wow! Conn is and has generally always been a good school, whether they are athletically competitive or not, and anyone who goes there (or their parents) should be proud of that. This year they were very competitive in women's hockey (I still expected them to finish higher though with their talent level).

With respect to recruiting, the reality is that their admissions standards are generally lower (but not hugely) than most other NESCAC schools across the student body - look it up on any assessment - so they have more reach without having to lower their standards. So it doesn't surprise me at all that they can get good players that might not be able to get in to some of the other NESCACs - I'm more surprised they haven't done better recruiting in the past. Regardless, if you think that they don't "bend the rules" (to use your jargon) to get in athletes who wouldn't normally get in on their own, then you are either ignorant or stupid. I am aware of the academic info on several of the players on this year's team (and a couple of future recruiting candidates) and I can tell you with certainty they would not have gotten into Conn without special consideration. It would be true that Coach Steele has a limited number of players with which to use that influence (and that your daughter may not have been one of them by Coach Steele's choice based on her ability to get in on her own or her hockey ability), but all of the NESCAC coaches have limited influence also.

And the rink - it's bad and frankly kind of embarrassing to a school of the means and stature of Conn. The fact that Steele can recruit in spite of it is a positive commentary on her (and the academic reputation of the school).

 

[PrezdeJohnson09]

(

Kreitzberg is a wonderful place to visit (looking forward to the East/West...by the by, can you sub in Gustavus or UWRF or someone for Manhattanville next year???).

There might some exciting changes on the horizon for the East/West in 2015.

 

[CrossCheck]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

Always fun....

So, I didn't say that this year's team was dirty, I was referring to prior years. If you read and absorbed what I wrote, then you would know that what I wrote was that now that they had talent that they had stopped playing dirty and taking penalties at previous rates and that they had their best season ever as a result. And that in the last 10 minutes of the Bowdoin game they returned to previous form by taking penalties that cost them the game (didn't say those penalties were dirty). You just read what you want to create an argument rather than what is written.

Talk about an inferiority complex/paranoia..... just wow! Conn is and has generally always been a good school, whether they are athletically competitive or not, and anyone who goes there (or their parents) should be proud of that. This year they were very competitive in women's hockey (I still expected them to finish higher though with their talent level).

With respect to recruiting, the reality is that their admissions standards are generally lower (but not hugely) than most other NESCAC schools across the student body - look it up on any assessment - so they have more reach without having to lower their standards. So it doesn't surprise me at all that they can get good players that might not be able to get in to some of the other NESCACs - I'm more surprised they haven't done better recruiting in the past. Regardless, if you think that they don't "bend the rules" (to use your jargon) to get in athletes who wouldn't normally get in on their own, then you are either ignorant or stupid. I am aware of the academic info on several of the players on this year's team (and a couple of future recruiting candidates) and I can tell you with certainty they would not have gotten into Conn without special consideration. It would be true that Coach Steele has a limited number of players with which to use that influence (and that your daughter may not have been one of them by Coach Steele's choice based on her ability to get in on her own or her hockey ability), but all of the NESCAC coaches have limited influence also.

And the rink - it's bad and frankly kind of embarrassing to a school of the means and stature of Conn. The fact that Steele can recruit in spite of it is a positive commentary on her (and the academic reputation of the school).

My reading comp is just fine...you call the team 'dirty' and 'reverting to form' taking penalties, but now you want to twist it, when I point out the actual facts about the game and the type of penalties that were actually called....whatever.

Also, you seem a bit ignorant on many things, but most importantly the size of a school's endowment and the roll that the endowment plays [at the end of the day, it means Everything] at each school...in particular when it comes to facilities....Please take a moment to do some basic research before you spout off about the rink...If you don't like it, or feel too embarrassed to step foot in the place, do us all a favor and go away. The fact that Conn can compete in the nescac is no small miracle given the disparity in their endowment with the likes of Amherst, Williams, Bowdoin, etc. As for admissions helping the coaches...suffice it to say it goes on everywhere to one degree or another, but if you don't think that some nescac schools place an out-of proportion emphasis on sports and winning [Williams, Amherst, Bowdoin, Middlebury come to mind] then you are delusional.

 

[Polar Bear Fan]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

My reading comp is just fine...you call the team 'dirty' and 'reverting to form' taking penalties, but now you want to twist it, when I point out the actual facts about the game and the type of penalties that were actually called....whatever.

Also, you seem a bit ignorant on many things, but most importantly the size of a school's endowment and the roll that the endowment plays [at the end of the day, it means Everything] at each school...in particular when it comes to facilities....Please take a moment to do some basic research before you spout off about the rink...If you don't like it, or feel too embarrassed to step foot in the place, do us all a favor and go away. The fact that Conn can compete in the nescac is no small miracle given the disparity in their endowment with the likes of Amherst, Williams, Bowdoin, etc. As for admissions helping the coaches...suffice it to say it goes on everywhere to one degree or another, but if you don't think that some nescac schools place an out-of proportion emphasis on sports and winning [Williams, Amherst, Bowdoin, Middlebury come to mind] then you are delusional.

Cross Check I was at the game and CC played a great game. Coach Steele did a great job. The PP goal was a screen shot from the point and the penalty was a questionable interference call in the defensive corner of the rink. Kind of a pick and roll play. I wouldn't have called it. CC played with vigor and emotion and quite frankly deserved the win. Bowdoin made the most of there opportunities and if it wasn't for a fantastic backhand goal by one of the most elite players in the NESCAC to tie the game you would be headed to Middlebury. I do agree with your statement about endowments. Williams, Amherst, Bowdoin and Middlebury do have the cash to support that out-of -portion emphasis, I just wish they would lower the Tuition for my sake with all that $$$$.

Great Season for the Camels
Love that Public School Kid #14 on CC

 

[CrossCheck]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

Cross Check I was at the game and CC played a great game. Coach Steele did a great job. The PP goal was a screen shot from the point and the penalty was a questionable interference call in the defensive corner of the rink. Kind of a pick and roll play. I wouldn't have called it. CC played with vigor and emotion and quite frankly deserved the win. Bowdoin made the most of there opportunities and if it wasn't for a fantastic backhand goal by one of the most elite players in the NESCAC to tie the game you would be headed to Middlebury. I do agree with your statement about endowments. Williams, Amherst, Bowdoin and Middlebury do have the cash to support that out-of -portion emphasis, I just wish they would lower the Tuition for my sake with all that $$$$.

Great Season for the Camels
Love that Public School Kid #14 on CC

Thanks, and for what it's worth, I agree with your game analysis... A very close game [like the 2 in Brunswick]. Bowdoin showed a lot of grit and even when they got down 0-2 they didn't give up.

My point with the nescac refs is I've just seen too many games over the years where they just can't get out of the way and let the game breathe...let the players decide the outcome. Unless the penalty takes away a scoring chance or is dangerous then let them play [and I realize that Conn's PP was among the league best].

As for the tuition...trust me, the schools you mentioned could allow free tuition with the endowments they sit on...but never gonna happen so long as we continue to pay and pay...

 

[obserbear]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

Amherst 1 Trinity 0 end of 2. SH by Smith unassisted

 

[obserbear]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

The #1 seed Middlebury (20-3-3) will face #3 seed Trinity (17-6-2) tomorrow at 2pm for the NESCAC championship and NCAA auto-bid. The Panthers overcame #5 Bowdoin (11-10-5) 4-2 in the early game, while the Bantams came from behind to defeat #2 Amherst (17-5-4) 2-1 in OT.
Middlebury opened the scoring with a powerplay goal late in the 1st. Young broke into the offensive zone on left wing and dropped the puck for Watson on left point; Watson fed right to Bielawski, who walked to the top of the right circle and beat Bowdoin goalie Crofton with a top shelf slap shot. Early in the 2nd the Panthers extended their lead. Hlinka forced a turnover behind the Polar Bear net and got the puck to Young; Young came out from Crofton's gloveside and fed Fluke, who came toward the puck, to the top of the crease and inserted the puck under Crofton. Bowdoin had a flurry on the next shift with Panther goalie Marsh coming up big stopping a Kennedy drive and Bell on the ensuing rebound from the left dot only to have an open backhand by McNeil sail wide to Marsh's stickside. Crofton made a great stop less than a minute into the 3rd, reaching back to grab a backhand by Mandigo from top of the crease on her stickside. Bowdoin had another opportunity a minute later with Bielawski alertly clearing a loose puck from the crease. The game winner came about the 6: mark. Mandigo dug in the left corner forcing the puck to Winslow; she fed from deep in the corner to Wulf in the left circle; Wulf had space, walked in and roofed a forehand, beating Crofton on the short stickside. Bowdoin quickly countered getting the puck to the net; Marsh made stops on Bourque and Nardelli before Finnerty slid the puck home to make it 3-1. Middlebury added another powerplay goal with Bielawski feeding from right point across to her left to Watson; Watson's drive handcuffed Crofton and with Winslow and Young tying up Polar Bear defenders, the puck came right to Fluke who put it back into the open net to Crofton's stickside. Again the Polar Bears struck quickly to pull within 2. Gallant fed out of the neutral zone and hit McNeil streaking in on right wing; a 2x1 developed and McNeil turned the D and fed a backhand to Bell for the score from the top of the crease. The Polar Bears then had a powerplay which saw Marsh make a big left pad save on a Baird drive from the right circle, before she stuffed Baird, who had followed her shot for the rebound from the top of the crease. Bowdoin did get an extra attacker on late but the Panthers withstood the pressure and skated into tomorrow's final with the 4-2 win.
The second game opened at a furious pace with few whistles and end to end action. Amherst goalie Evans came up big at 13: stopping Howell on the doorstep after Howell broke in and turned a D on left wing. The 2nd saw Trinity killing a 5x3 for a 1:42 before going on a powerplay of their own. On the penalty Amherst scored short handed when Salmon carried into the offensive zone on right wing, got the puck to the top of the crease; Salmon was tangled up with and dove over a Bantam D, also causing Trinity goalie Belinskas to loose her stick; in the chaos the puck popped into the slot and Smith buried a one timer up high for the 1-0 lead. That lead held up but with the 3rd winding down Trinity was buzzing in the Amherst zone. About 14: Stowell rang a slapshot off Evans' gloveside post. Less than a minute later Trinity tied the score with Fraley getting the puck to Stowell for another drive from right point which was deflected by Howell in the slot low off Evans' left pad for the goal. The OT saw Evans rob Finn point blank at 1:20. Trinity was controlling play in the Amherst zone around the 7: of the OT. The winning score came on a 2x1 rush which developed back at the Amherst offensive zone blue line. The Lord Jeffs attempted a drop pass which went astray; Tani grabbed the puck, broke through the neutral zone, wide down right wing; she got the puck to Herr at the top of the crease for the score in under Evans.
It all comes down to one last game for the NESCAC championship and NCAA auto-bid. Tune in tomorrow!

 

[obserbear]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

Trinity 2 Midd 0 end of 1. Trin killed consecutive 5x3 after getting up 1-0 then scored again. Goal by Herr and Tani

 

[obserbear]

Re: NESCAC season 2014-2015

2-1 end of 2