NU Pastime
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Absolutely. Some things change with the times but the values and principles remain the same.
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Norwich 2016-17 Season Thread: ISO first NEHC title
- Thread starter PrezdeJohnson09
- Start date
Absolutely. Some things change with the times but the values and principles remain the same.
Re: Norwich 2016-17 Season Thread: ISO first NEHC title
Not going to disagree. It is amazing to hear about all of the issues that keep resurfacing. Every time they come up people think it's new. As a faculty member my only quarrel with the system was when Corps activities got in the way of teaching the students. That's another one of those things that comes and goes. Sometimes the Corps leadership want to focus on academic success and sometimes academic success is the lowest priority.
The best part right now is that I get to watch from afar instead of being caught up in it.
It's good to see the rebound that the team is having this year.
Not going to disagree. It is amazing to hear about all of the issues that keep resurfacing. Every time they come up people think it's new. As a faculty member my only quarrel with the system was when Corps activities got in the way of teaching the students. That's another one of those things that comes and goes. Sometimes the Corps leadership want to focus on academic success and sometimes academic success is the lowest priority.
The best part right now is that I get to watch from afar instead of being caught up in it.
It's good to see the rebound that the team is having this year.
The Real Georgia Peach
Registered User
Re: Norwich 2016-17 Season Thread: ISO first NEHC title
Just to add an opinion to the conversation. Norwich is a UNI...versity. Please explain the place for DI...versity. I look forward tothe conversation, even if it isn't hockey related. ;-)
Just to add an opinion to the conversation. Norwich is a UNI...versity. Please explain the place for DI...versity. I look forward tothe conversation, even if it isn't hockey related. ;-)
Fishman'81
Black Bear since D-2
Last edited:
NU Pastime
New member
Re: Norwich 2016-17 Season Thread: ISO first NEHC title
This went over my head. Clarification?
This went over my head. Clarification?
NU Pastime
New member
Re: Norwich 2016-17 Season Thread: ISO first NEHC title
I don't know, I think there's some truth to this from a certain perspective, but I also think it's overstated. I can't really speak for the DIII experience in this regard, but the same thing is true at the NHL level. Being originally from St. Louis, I've been to countless St. Louis Blues games and in the past two years I've watched the Blues play the Bruins at TD Garden. In comparison, the TD Garden is a much nicer arena than Scottrade Center is in St. Louis, but the Blues have a lot more of the "gimics" than the Bruins do. The Blues' mascot is way more involved than the Bruins' mascot (who I didn't even know existed until the third period when I just happened to see him on the lower level), the Blues' jumbotron personalities, games, and skits are far more prevalent than the Bruins' (whose only one is pretty much the puck shuffle), St. Louis invests far more into the intermission entertainment than Boston does, and Blues fans are constantly prompted when to "make noise" where that is absent at the Garden. But I think far from making Bruins fans more tuned into the game and Blues fans more aloof, and perhaps defying Midwestern hospitality and Boston M******* stereotypes, I find the crowds at Scottrade Center to be far rowdier and enthusiastic than crowds in the Garden. People don't go to the games for the gimics, they go to watch hockey, but it keeps them involved and amped up during the timeouts.
I remember reading a Dierks Bentley interview where he talks about the feel of a concert and how it goes from him going on stage in front of a bunch of strangers to that song in the set where it clicks and everyone is there together as friends. At that point, it becomes a shared experience as opposed to a bunch of strangers in a room with similar interests looking for a show. If done right, all of those gimics and side entertainment can help the crowd reach that level of investment and identity. Just my experience. It can also just come across as a corny marketing chic.
I don't know, I think there's some truth to this from a certain perspective, but I also think it's overstated. I can't really speak for the DIII experience in this regard, but the same thing is true at the NHL level. Being originally from St. Louis, I've been to countless St. Louis Blues games and in the past two years I've watched the Blues play the Bruins at TD Garden. In comparison, the TD Garden is a much nicer arena than Scottrade Center is in St. Louis, but the Blues have a lot more of the "gimics" than the Bruins do. The Blues' mascot is way more involved than the Bruins' mascot (who I didn't even know existed until the third period when I just happened to see him on the lower level), the Blues' jumbotron personalities, games, and skits are far more prevalent than the Bruins' (whose only one is pretty much the puck shuffle), St. Louis invests far more into the intermission entertainment than Boston does, and Blues fans are constantly prompted when to "make noise" where that is absent at the Garden. But I think far from making Bruins fans more tuned into the game and Blues fans more aloof, and perhaps defying Midwestern hospitality and Boston M******* stereotypes, I find the crowds at Scottrade Center to be far rowdier and enthusiastic than crowds in the Garden. People don't go to the games for the gimics, they go to watch hockey, but it keeps them involved and amped up during the timeouts.
I remember reading a Dierks Bentley interview where he talks about the feel of a concert and how it goes from him going on stage in front of a bunch of strangers to that song in the set where it clicks and everyone is there together as friends. At that point, it becomes a shared experience as opposed to a bunch of strangers in a room with similar interests looking for a show. If done right, all of those gimics and side entertainment can help the crowd reach that level of investment and identity. Just my experience. It can also just come across as a corny marketing chic.
Re: Norwich 2016-17 Season Thread: ISO first NEHC title
That's a question that's been burning in my brain for years
Wich I could understand, but Wick?
That's a question that's been burning in my brain for years
Wich I could understand, but Wick?
Re: Norwich 2016-17 Season Thread: ISO first NEHC title
In one weekend, the Cadets go from #10 to #5 and Plattsburgh and Babson drop off the charts in the USCHO rankings. I do understand this is meaningless, that only the NCAA rankings at the end of the season matter. It sure is sweet though, and I am sure the players appreciate the compliment
Positive thinking can go a long way!
In one weekend, the Cadets go from #10 to #5 and Plattsburgh and Babson drop off the charts in the USCHO rankings. I do understand this is meaningless, that only the NCAA rankings at the end of the season matter. It sure is sweet though, and I am sure the players appreciate the compliment
Positive thinking can go a long way!NU Pastime
New member
Going back to this for a minute, there are a couple of noticeable trends. 1) The answer is yes, we appear to be exaggerating the attendance loss as it's almost exactly the same as it was 15 years ago at Norwich and Plattsburgh. 2) Significant gains by the other SUNYAC schools and significant losses by the NESCAC schools. What are the reasons for This? The gains are easier to explain - more invested programs, new and larger arenas. But what about the NESCAC losses? 1500 for Middlebury!? I know they're not in the same stratosphere that they used to be, but wow. I watched a bit of the Trinity game this past weekend and it was almost entirely empty. Literally. And this is a team two years removed from winning the national championship.
PSUChamps2001
Member of the REAL Zoo Crew
We can try to ignore the facts of being a true fan, win or lose, but people just don't support a losing team. Games mean less, who wants to go see my team lose, ect ect. And flip side, a team (Brockport or Buff State) years ago were known as "point night". How many points will a Plattsburgh player get playing said teams. It wasn't a question of if we win, but how much. Now students, community members know there is a chance Plattsburgh / Oswego can be "upset" and or beaten. They have good hockey to finally watch (or at least much better).
Middlebury is just the opposite. Part of that is due to the $$ and part of it is due to the NESCAC catching up to Middlebury. Just as UMB has done to Norwich, Buff St has done to Plattsburgh.
Tradition and past only caries you so far. It's all about adjusting the way you play, recruit, and prepare. Some schools just don't care if they are 20-2 or 2-20. Just the way things are in DIII.
Old Rook NU'66
Registered User
Re: Norwich 2016-17 Season Thread: ISO first NEHC title
This photo just reminded me that about 20 years ago, about the time Kreitzberg Arena was being dedicated, the late NU hockey coach, Bob Priestly, told a luncheon group of NU hockey fans about a visiting West Point hockey team.
Actually, it may have happen when this photo was taken as Bob retired at the end of 1979. Those were the years before DI through DIII and NU hockey was still playing in Taylor Arena (a converted cavalry indoor riding hall). Taylor was a bandbox affair...that could barely hold a standing room only crowd of a 1,200 strong NU Corp of Cadets—with chain link fencing toping the boards instead of glass. But the fence was still low enough that spectators could hang over the top of the fencing and accidentally swipe an opponent when the skated by. Naturally, the day Army came calling, there was not an empty seat in the joint.
The Army coach seemed surprised by NU's Spartan facilities and made a friendly crack to Priestly before the game about our beloved old cavalry hall (a.k.a hockey rink). Later in a surprise upset...Army lost that game but before departing Priestly reminded the Army coach with a smile that "the next time you come to play us in our old riding hall be sure to bring some stronger horses."
My best personal recollection of Taylor Arena was a Bowdoin game in late ’62. The Bowdoin Team was given our "Rook" class club as a place to relax before game time and I had a chance to talk with the Polar Bears goalie. He said he hated playing NU in Northfield because in his words....“Taylor Arena is so small that you end up playing the entire crowd of NU Cadets instead of only six opponents.” Sure enough, that night during the 1st period the crowd was unmerciful and when Bowdoin appeared on the ice for the second period—that same goalie skated around the entire rink giving the crowd “the finger.” The cadets ate it up.
This photo just reminded me that about 20 years ago, about the time Kreitzberg Arena was being dedicated, the late NU hockey coach, Bob Priestly, told a luncheon group of NU hockey fans about a visiting West Point hockey team.
Actually, it may have happen when this photo was taken as Bob retired at the end of 1979. Those were the years before DI through DIII and NU hockey was still playing in Taylor Arena (a converted cavalry indoor riding hall). Taylor was a bandbox affair...that could barely hold a standing room only crowd of a 1,200 strong NU Corp of Cadets—with chain link fencing toping the boards instead of glass. But the fence was still low enough that spectators could hang over the top of the fencing and accidentally swipe an opponent when the skated by. Naturally, the day Army came calling, there was not an empty seat in the joint.
The Army coach seemed surprised by NU's Spartan facilities and made a friendly crack to Priestly before the game about our beloved old cavalry hall (a.k.a hockey rink). Later in a surprise upset...Army lost that game but before departing Priestly reminded the Army coach with a smile that "the next time you come to play us in our old riding hall be sure to bring some stronger horses."
My best personal recollection of Taylor Arena was a Bowdoin game in late ’62. The Bowdoin Team was given our "Rook" class club as a place to relax before game time and I had a chance to talk with the Polar Bears goalie. He said he hated playing NU in Northfield because in his words....“Taylor Arena is so small that you end up playing the entire crowd of NU Cadets instead of only six opponents.” Sure enough, that night during the 1st period the crowd was unmerciful and when Bowdoin appeared on the ice for the second period—that same goalie skated around the entire rink giving the crowd “the finger.” The cadets ate it up.
Re: Norwich 2016-17 Season Thread: ISO first NEHC title
The other remarkable home ice advantage in Krietzberg. The rafters were only about 10 feet off the ice. Flipping the puck in the air to put it over the opposition was almost impossible, because the attempts would hit the rafters, and bring about a face off back in the defensive zone. In fact, when Krietzberg opened, I remember at a BLC luncheon that McShane talked about having to teach remind his team that elevating the puck was a viable strategy.
The other remarkable home ice advantage in Krietzberg. The rafters were only about 10 feet off the ice. Flipping the puck in the air to put it over the opposition was almost impossible, because the attempts would hit the rafters, and bring about a face off back in the defensive zone. In fact, when Krietzberg opened, I remember at a BLC luncheon that McShane talked about having to teach remind his team that elevating the puck was a viable strategy.
Old Rook NU'66
Registered User
I understand that today students have other entertainment options at Norwich. I even saw TVs (god forbid) in some upper classmen's rooms on a visit. But my senior year ('66) even with what became a dismal 7-15 NU hockey record....there was still standing room only for all home games.
NU Pastime
New member
This photo just reminded me that about 20 years ago, about the time Kreitzberg Arena was being dedicated, the late NU hockey coach, Bob Priestly, told a luncheon group of NU hockey fans about a visiting West Point hockey team.
Actually, it may have happen when this photo was taken as Bob retired at the end of 1979. Those were the years before DI through DIII and NU hockey was still playing in Taylor Arena (a converted cavalry indoor riding hall). Taylor was a bandbox affair...that could barely hold a standing room only crowd of a 1,200 strong NU Corp of Cadets—with chain link fencing toping the boards instead of glass. But the fence was still low enough that spectators could hang over the top of the fencing and accidentally swipe an opponent when the skated by. Naturally, the day Army came calling, there was not an empty seat in the joint.
The Army coach seemed surprised by NU's Spartan facilities and made a friendly crack to Priestly before the game about our beloved old cavalry hall (a.k.a hockey rink). Later in a surprise upset...Army lost that game but before departing Priestly reminded the Army coach with a smile that "the next time you come to play us in our old riding hall be sure to bring some stronger horses."
My best personal recollection of Taylor Arena was a Bowdoin game in late ’62. The Bowdoin Team was given our "Rook" class club as a place to relax before game time and I had a chance to talk with the Polar Bears goalie. He said he hated playing NU in Northfield because in his words....“Taylor Arena is so small that you end up playing the entire crowd of NU Cadets instead of only six opponents.” Sure enough, that night during the 1st period the crowd was unmerciful and when Bowdoin appeared on the ice for the second period—that same goalie skated around the entire rink giving the crowd “the finger.” The cadets ate it up.
This reminds me of the stories Charlie used to tell me about the Middlebury and Coast Guard football games. Stories like these are why the "The Old Corps", for better and worse, has such a strong hold on the Norwich psyche. Makes me wish I could've experienced a game in Taylor.
bakdraft21
Well-known member
Re: Norwich 2016-17 Season Thread: ISO first NEHC title
I hear the old stories all the time from my Dad Old Guard 55' Football and Basketball and in the Norwich HOF,I think the stories get better each yr,I am sure there are more to come when we come to Norwich for the upcoming Tourney.
I hear the old stories all the time from my Dad Old Guard 55' Football and Basketball and in the Norwich HOF,I think the stories get better each yr,I am sure there are more to come when we come to Norwich for the upcoming Tourney.
bakdraft21
Well-known member
Re: Norwich 2016-17 Season Thread: ISO first NEHC title
.......I didnt wear a facemask as a kid playing hockey in the 70's
No facemasks in football or hockey
.......I didnt wear a facemask as a kid playing hockey in the 70'sOld Rook NU'66
Registered User
Re: Norwich 2016-17 Season Thread: ISO first NEHC title
Ah...General Ernie "Gravel Voice" Harmon. There was one tough hombre...who at least once a year would join the Corp in the mess hall and when he stepped up to speak all he had to do is clear his throat and a roar of cheers would go up from 1,200 Cadets. Ernie never mixed words (four letter or otherwise) or BSed the Corp. Let me put it this way, George C. Scott's opening speech in the flick Patton was just a mild mannered fatherly chat by comparison to a Harmon speech to the Corp.
Harmon was perfect for our generation...just as Admiral Schneider has been perfect for this generation. And hopefully as each generation goes forward ---from President to Rook--that each will maintain that one constant we all share...the Norwich spirit. Now let's get back to hockey as we go about God's work as we face a Friday night fight with St. Michaels. Finishing of St. Mike's would set us up nicely for the 2nd half in the NEHC in what is unfolding to be a pretty good season.
Ah...General Ernie "Gravel Voice" Harmon. There was one tough hombre...who at least once a year would join the Corp in the mess hall and when he stepped up to speak all he had to do is clear his throat and a roar of cheers would go up from 1,200 Cadets. Ernie never mixed words (four letter or otherwise) or BSed the Corp. Let me put it this way, George C. Scott's opening speech in the flick Patton was just a mild mannered fatherly chat by comparison to a Harmon speech to the Corp.
Harmon was perfect for our generation...just as Admiral Schneider has been perfect for this generation. And hopefully as each generation goes forward ---from President to Rook--that each will maintain that one constant we all share...the Norwich spirit. Now let's get back to hockey as we go about God's work as we face a Friday night fight with St. Michaels. Finishing of St. Mike's would set us up nicely for the 2nd half in the NEHC in what is unfolding to be a pretty good season.
Re: Norwich 2016-17 Season Thread: ISO first NEHC title
When I arrived at Norwich in 1980, a lot of the faculty had been on staff when Harmon was President. All of them spoke favorably of him and his integrity. None of his successors has been given that level of universal acclaim by the faculty.
When I arrived at Norwich in 1980, a lot of the faculty had been on staff when Harmon was President. All of them spoke favorably of him and his integrity. None of his successors has been given that level of universal acclaim by the faculty.