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Norwich 2015-16 - 17 straight ECAC East titles and counting....

I noticed that Plattsburgh seems to be recruiting a lot from the NAHL which I have not seen them do in the past. The players seem very productive. But I agree cost are a factor but Babson probable cost the same as Norwich.

Babson is the #1 entrepreneur school in the country.
 
Re: Norwich 2015-16 - 17 straight ECAC East titles and counting....

To manage expectations, suggest not placing too much hope & emphasis on 2nd semester returns. If/when some players reappear, their impact is expected to be deliberate at best. The situation is what it is, and this season will come down to NEHC tournament seeding and play. The larger issue is that recruiting has always been challenging for such an isolated, rural campus. Indeed, the hockey program has its credentials yet always struggles with Exit 5's lure or lack thereof. Embrace the season for what it is.

Too much talent on the injury sidelines not to be optimistic about them returning to action!
 
Re: Norwich 2015-16 - 17 straight ECAC East titles and counting....

I don't think tuition is an issue. Look at any private, New England, liberal arts school and their tuition is going to be comparable.

I do think we're overreacting a bit now. The Skidmore loss was inexcusable, yes. But otherwise, this three game losing streak has been to three Top 10 ranked teams, and two of them in overtime. I'm also not surprised by the Babson loss. They've been chasing us for years and have never quite been able to catch us. It was only a matter of time until they made a statement, and a battered and bruised Cadet team coming into their rink provided the perfect opportunity.

We're two years removed from a run of 4 straight Frozen Fours. NU went 25-4-1 last year and was ranked #1 for a lot of it before losing a tough one on the road in the NCAA tournament. Yes, the start to this season has been rough, but I think it's a bit early to be throwing in the towel and looking for deep, systemic issues as to what's wrong with the program. There's a lot of hockey to be played, and this team has the talent and experience that will allow them to compete down the stretch.
 
Re: Norwich 2015-16 - 17 straight ECAC East titles and counting....

I don't think tuition is an issue. Look at any private, New England, liberal arts school and their tuition is going to be comparable.

I do think we're overreacting a bit now. The Skidmore loss was inexcusable, yes. But otherwise, this three game losing streak has been to three Top 10 ranked teams, and two of them in overtime. I'm also not surprised by the Babson loss. They've been chasing us for years and have never quite been able to catch us. It was only a matter of time until they made a statement, and a battered and bruised Cadet team coming into their rink provided the perfect opportunity.

We're two years removed from a run of 4 straight Frozen Fours. NU went 25-4-1 last year and was ranked #1 for a lot of it before losing a tough one on the road in the NCAA tournament. Yes, the start to this season has been rough, but I think it's a bit early to be throwing in the towel and looking for deep, systemic issues as to what's wrong with the program. There's a lot of hockey to be played, and this team has the talent and experience that will allow them to compete down the stretch.

+1
 
I don't think tuition is an issue. Look at any private, New England, liberal arts school and their tuition is going to be comparable.

I do think we're overreacting a bit now. The Skidmore loss was inexcusable, yes. But otherwise, this three game losing streak has been to three Top 10 ranked teams, and two of them in overtime. I'm also not surprised by the Babson loss. They've been chasing us for years and have never quite been able to catch us. It was only a matter of time until they made a statement, and a battered and bruised Cadet team coming into their rink provided the perfect opportunity.

We're two years removed from a run of 4 straight Frozen Fours. NU went 25-4-1 last year and was ranked #1 for a lot of it before losing a tough one on the road in the NCAA tournament. Yes, the start to this season has been rough, but I think it's a bit early to be throwing in the towel and looking for deep, systemic issues as to what's wrong with the program. There's a lot of hockey to be played, and this team has the talent and experience that will allow them to compete down the stretch.

Agreed. Due to the absence of Pelletier and Niezgoda we are, essentially, missing our top line. I think that would hurt any team.

Frankly, all that matters is getting into the NEHC tourney at "full" strength. While the regular season streak is nice to talk about, it really means nothing. A regular season title without a tourney championship just means you were really good, except when it counted. I'd much rather win the tourney, and the AQ, than an 18th straight regular season crown - if I have to choose.

If we don't hit the freaking crossbar twice, we aren't even having this conversation.
 
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Re: Norwich 2015-16 - 17 straight ECAC East titles and counting....

.....If we don't hit the freaking crossbar twice, we aren't even having this conversation.

True. It is way too early to panic. A regular season title may not be in the cards but the important thing is to get better with every practice and every game and peak in the post season and that seems like a solid possibility.
 
Re: Norwich 2015-16 - 17 straight ECAC East titles and counting....

To manage expectations, suggest not placing too much hope & emphasis on 2nd semester returns. If/when some players reappear, their impact is expected to be deliberate at best. The situation is what it is, and this season will come down to NEHC tournament seeding and play. The larger issue is that recruiting has always been challenging for such an isolated, rural campus. Indeed, the hockey program has its credentials yet always struggles with Exit 5's lure or lack thereof. Embrace the season for what it is.

Not sure if I can agree with this one. I think almost any team in D3 that loses arguably their top 2 forwards are going to be hurting. I think some will be pretty surprised to see how much Dean and Will are going to make this team different. Speed, grit, great puck carriers. Putting those 2 in the lineup is going to be a breath of fresh air and will add some playmaking diversity throughout all 4 lines. I've heard all the concerns, I get it, Norwich definitely has work to do and a 5-1 loss at Babson worries me, although I must admit I didn't watch or listen to the game so I'm not sure how the play went through the game.
 
Re: Norwich 2015-16 - 17 straight ECAC East titles and counting....

Or the remotest possibility that the ECAC/W is a bit stronger this season than being given credit?

Actually that too, but I didn't add it because I didn't want to derail the thread...and not to do that now: Norwich will be fine, you know they are always there in the end...As Painful as that is to say! :)
 
Re: Norwich 2015-16 - 17 straight ECAC East titles and counting....

Made the short trip to Cairns arena last night to watch the Cadets (and meet with relatives: in-laws who manage the rink and help out in the concessions).

Impressions- St. Mike's has some decent players. The first period was probably a draw, the St. Mike's goal was (although I saw it from other end of ice) a very good move. He somehow made it from the point to the front of the net without being touched. The power play goal was good to see to tie it up. In the second, Norwich started to gain some control of the game. Salvucci's shorty was great work by he and Piacentini (who scored shortly after). By the end of the second, the ice was definitely tilted, but by no means was it domination. Half way thru the third, any boost for St. Mike's second goal was taken back by Russell's first. The ending was kind of a typical finish up there.

To me, Russell was the player who made things happen all game long, and his line played well. Piacentini, Salvucci and Flaherty were buzzing as well. Piacentini's second goal looked like he split three players to get to the front and roof it.

And now a much needed break for them.

(the preceding is only my personal opinion made for discussion purposes. You may have had different results.)

..
 
Re: Norwich 2015-16 - 17 straight ECAC East titles and counting....

Made the short trip to Cairns arena last night to watch the Cadets (and meet with relatives: in-laws who manage the rink and help out in the concessions).

Impressions- St. Mike's has some decent players. The first period was probably a draw, the St. Mike's goal was (although I saw it from other end of ice) a very good move. He somehow made it from the point to the front of the net without being touched. The power play goal was good to see to tie it up. In the second, Norwich started to gain some control of the game. Salvucci's shorty was great work by he and Piacentini (who scored shortly after). By the end of the second, the ice was definitely tilted, but by no means was it domination. Half way thru the third, any boost for St. Mike's second goal was taken back by Russell's first. The ending was kind of a typical finish up there.

To me, Russell was the player who made things happen all game long, and his line played well. Piacentini, Salvucci and Flaherty were buzzing as well. Piacentini's second goal looked like he split three players to get to the front and roof it.

And now a much needed break for them.

(the preceding is only my personal opinion made for discussion purposes. You may have had different results.)

..

I Saw it the same way.
 
Made the short trip to Cairns arena last night to watch the Cadets (and meet with relatives: in-laws who manage the rink and help out in the concessions).

Impressions- St. Mike's has some decent players. The first period was probably a draw, the St. Mike's goal was (although I saw it from other end of ice) a very good move. He somehow made it from the point to the front of the net without being touched. The power play goal was good to see to tie it up. In the second, Norwich started to gain some control of the game. Salvucci's shorty was great work by he and Piacentini (who scored shortly after). By the end of the second, the ice was definitely tilted, but by no means was it domination. Half way thru the third, any boost for St. Mike's second goal was taken back by Russell's first. The ending was kind of a typical finish up there.

To me, Russell was the player who made things happen all game long, and his line played well. Piacentini, Salvucci and Flaherty were buzzing as well. Piacentini's second goal looked like he split three players to get to the front and roof it.

And now a much needed break for them.

(the preceding is only my personal opinion made for discussion purposes. You may have had different results.)

..
So how would you describe the play of those not "buzzing." Does everyone seem to be contributing in some fashion?
 
So how would you describe the play of those not "buzzing." Does everyone seem to be contributing in some fashion?

Yes, everyone was contributing, but the Russell line in particular appeared to be a step above/ahead, followed by the Piacentini line. On another day, it might be others. Defensively, looked like some new pairings were out there, and it took a bit to get 'in sync'.
 
Re: Norwich 2015-16 - 17 straight ECAC East titles and counting....

Russell line has looked great the past couple games. Russell in general is playing the best I've seen him. This is why I'm excited for the injured to get back. While they've been gone, other players have had to step up as well as get more playing time. Now if we can get our others healthy and everyone working together in the second half we should put a good stretch together. Much needed break and hard fought first half. Might not have been what us spoiled Norwich fans expected but with a banged up team and some tough opponents I'll take it.

To be honest as a Norwich fan I like this. Usually Norwich seems to start red hot and falter at times after that. Excited to see how we react coming from behind in the league and building momentum to reach our peak hopefully at the perfect time.
 
Re: Norwich 2015-16 - 17 straight ECAC East titles and counting....

Russell line has looked great the past couple games. Russell in general is playing the best I've seen him. This is why I'm excited for the injured to get back. While they've been gone, other players have had to step up as well as get more playing time. Now if we can get our others healthy and everyone working together in the second half we should put a good stretch together. Much needed break and hard fought first half. Might not have been what us spoiled Norwich fans expected but with a banged up team and some tough opponents I'll take it.

To be honest as a Norwich fan I like this. Usually Norwich seems to start red hot and falter at times after that. Excited to see how we react coming from behind in the league and building momentum to reach our peak hopefully at the perfect time.

Like the postive vibe out there despite the recent struggles. Getting 20 and 22 back is going to help a lot ... still need to cleanup their own end in the second half ... but I'm excited to pick it up again. Also like the shorter semester break ... three weeks and we'll be right back at it.
 
Re: Norwich 2015-16 - 17 straight ECAC East titles and counting....

Maybe a "sensitive" question, but way back in late October it was mentioned that Dean had "broken team rules" and thast was why he was out of the line-up. Somewhere along the line it now is being said he is injured but will return next semester. Does anybody know the real story? And is willing to share?
 
Re: Norwich 2015-16 - 17 straight ECAC East titles and counting....

I can't help you out, Peach, but it's a good question.

I have to admit that it is kinda fun the way it's been going. Obviously, I prefer winning every game. But, I remember when I was a Rook ('09-'10 National Championship team) how boring it was going to games. It was my introduction to college hockey/DIII hockey and I, at the time, hated Norwich because I was a Rook and my life ****ing sucked. Thankfully, I had a mom who wouldn't let me quit and I came to love the place (obviously). But I remember going to games and every one seemed like it was 8-1, 9-0, 7-2, etc. Turning on the game and seeing competitive games on Friday and Saturday nights is at least good entertainment. *silver lining*

And now it's a Friday night and there's no game to turn on to keep me out of trouble. Welp, guess I'll drink.
 
Maybe a "sensitive" question, but way back in late October it was mentioned that Dean had "broken team rules" and thast was why he was out of the line-up. Somewhere along the line it now is being said he is injured but will return next semester. Does anybody know the real story? And is willing to share?

Dean will be back next semester. He is not injured. He is a great kid, in addition to being a terrific hockey player. I cannot wait to see him back on the ice.
 
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