Norwich 2022-23 Back to Normal (ish)

[Norwich59]

I've been reading posts on here for more than two decades and I've never felt the need to get an account to respond until now.

Not much feels right with this Cadet program. And it goes beyond the play on the ice. 25th in the Pairwise and that feels correct to me. They are a decent to good team with almost no chance to be great. Kerner might be the only guy on the whole squad who would play significant minutes in an earlier era. Player for player this team is slow. Period. With a few exceptions Ellsworth seems to recruit tall lanky players with poor acceleration. They got beat to 90% of the loose pucks in the 3rd frame by UNE, a team coming off the same holiday break. The style of play is boring to watch to say the least. It's the talk of the crowd in my opinion. Who wants to go watch a team sit back in a 1-2-2 and try to win 1-0 or 2-1? Not me and the people who sit around me I'll tell you that. Not many people in general judging by the recent attendance. There are often pucks just sitting there and the dmen are already backpedaling instead of pinching because they've clearly been told not to which is incredibly frustrating to me and others. Even when they outshoot teams they aren't getting many quality chances.

Something that I hear a bunch of people talking about is how the league has caught up to them and I say BS. More like they've quickly fallen a bit behind. It's not like Hobart appeared out of nowhere in the league. Things go in waves. Babson has been really good for a long time. Heck NEC was a power for a few years and went to the final four. The interlock used to put them up against some very good teams in league games. There were a large number of years when there were two NESCAC teams in the NCAAs whether it be Midd-Bowdoin or Midd-Trinity etc. And listen I said a bit behind and I mean that. I get that 50-60 schools would kill to be Norwich but the standard here is what it is and I want those expectations to stay high. Based on the product I'm seeing on the ice I'm really nervous that this could unravel. It's an ugly product out there when all they do is play not to lose.

For my last point in this rant the atmosphere at the rink is horrible. There are no students at the games. And yes I understand that there won't be during breaks before anyone calls me on that. It's been trending that way for years. There are no promotions other than 50-50 and there's no emotion. The line for the concession is too long. The list goes on and on.

Norwich has won four national championships. I've been going to games since Taylor arena and I had fun in all those other years where they didn't win. I don't think I have unrealistic expectations. Since coming out of the pandemic cancellations and Ellsworth's recruiting classes and Ellsworth's program I haven't been having that much fun and I'm confused that anyone who is really watching feels differently. I want some exciting fast-paced aggressive hockey back in my life and I don't see that happening any time soon with this team and this coach.

Exactly!

 

[elbojpb]

For my last point in this rant the atmosphere at the rink is horrible. There are no students at the games. And yes I understand that there won't be during breaks before anyone calls me on that. It's been trending that way for years. There are no promotions other than 50-50 and there's no emotion. The line for the concession is too long. The list goes on and on.

Any correlation with a certain tripartate poster's departure from Norwich?

 

[jerrynu26]

Any correlation with a certain tripartate poster's departure from Norwich?

Possibly a tiny bit with student participation, but other than that, no correlation.
I also miss the highlights videos that used to be produced.

 

[Hotfoot]

I've been reading posts on here for more than two decades and I've never felt the need to get an account to respond until now.

Not much feels right with this Cadet program. And it goes beyond the play on the ice. 25th in the Pairwise and that feels correct to me. They are a decent to good team with almost no chance to be great. Kerner might be the only guy on the whole squad who would play significant minutes in an earlier era. Player for player this team is slow. Period. With a few exceptions Ellsworth seems to recruit tall lanky players with poor acceleration. They got beat to 90% of the loose pucks in the 3rd frame by UNE, a team coming off the same holiday break. The style of play is boring to watch to say the least. It's the talk of the crowd in my opinion. Who wants to go watch a team sit back in a 1-2-2 and try to win 1-0 or 2-1? Not me and the people who sit around me I'll tell you that. Not many people in general judging by the recent attendance. There are often pucks just sitting there and the dmen are already backpedaling instead of pinching because they've clearly been told not to which is incredibly frustrating to me and others. Even when they outshoot teams they aren't getting many quality chances.

Something that I hear a bunch of people talking about is how the league has caught up to them and I say BS. More like they've quickly fallen a bit behind. It's not like Hobart appeared out of nowhere in the league. Things go in waves. Babson has been really good for a long time. Heck NEC was a power for a few years and went to the final four. The interlock used to put them up against some very good teams in league games. There were a large number of years when there were two NESCAC teams in the NCAAs whether it be Midd-Bowdoin or Midd-Trinity etc. And listen I said a bit behind and I mean that. I get that 50-60 schools would kill to be Norwich but the standard here is what it is and I want those expectations to stay high. Based on the product I'm seeing on the ice I'm really nervous that this could unravel. It's an ugly product out there when all they do is play not to lose.

For my last point in this rant the atmosphere at the rink is horrible. There are no students at the games. And yes I understand that there won't be during breaks before anyone calls me on that. It's been trending that way for years. There are no promotions other than 50-50 and there's no emotion. The line for the concession is too long. The list goes on and on.

Norwich has won four national championships. I've been going to games since Taylor arena and I had fun in all those other years where they didn't win. I don't think I have unrealistic expectations. Since coming out of the pandemic cancellations and Ellsworth's recruiting classes and Ellsworth's program I haven't been having that much fun and I'm confused that anyone who is really watching feels differently. I want some exciting fast-paced aggressive hockey back in my life and I don't see that happening any time soon with this team and this coach.

It actually sad to watch... As SMU just ties the game.

 

[***JCB***]

Another weak performance in a quiet half-empty arena. I agree with Hotfoot. Sad to watch.

 

[Bog Hockey]

I traveled 10 hours to watch NU in the NSB tournament. Play was ugly and boring and didn’t provide any entertainment value. I seriously thought about driving the 10 hours home after their OT win over Aurora. I mean, is that how this team intends to win games going forward? So much indecision, so much coasting, so many shots from insane angles, so many shots to the goaltender’s chest. Some NU players had absolutely no business being on the ice (he didn’t play tonight). Did McShane endorse Ellsworth? Norwich cannot afford to lose its hockey program as a recruiting tool. Yikes, has a horrible mistake been made?

 

[Hotfoot]

Another weak performance in a quiet half-empty arena. I agree with Hotfoot. Sad to watch.

Since the last National Championship winning year. The team has gotten drastically larger. Here are the numbers.

Season #Skaters 6'+ [TABLE="border: 1, cellpadding: 1, width: 500"]
[TR]
[TD]16-17[/TD]
[TD]6 [/TD]
[TD]National Champions[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]17-18[/TD]
[TD]5[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]18-19[/TD]
[TD]5[/TD]
[TD]National Championship OT loss[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]19-20[/TD]
[TD]8[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]20-21[/TD]
[TD]11[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]21-22[/TD]
[TD]18[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]22-23[/TD]
[TD]17[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]23-24[/TD]
[TD]18[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

2019 and earlier they would skate the legs off any opponent! They were dangerous, exciting and played very fast. They played a different game.

Kreitzberg Arena has a larger ice surface with tons of room in the corners and behind the net.
So if you play more than half your games on a larger ice surface, why would you make your team bigger and slower? On top of that, in general, at all levels of hockey, physical play has gone down.
In the past 5 or 6 years it seems the characteristic of Norwich hockey has completely changed from loads of speed, agility and playmakers all over the ice.... to ordinary... in my opinion.

 

[Bartman]

Since the last National Championship winning year. The team has gotten drastically larger. Here are the numbers.

Season #Skaters 6'+ [TABLE="border: 1, cellpadding: 1, width: 500"]
[TR]
[TD]16-17[/TD]
[TD]6[/TD]
[TD]National Champions[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]17-18[/TD]
[TD]5[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]18-19[/TD]
[TD]5[/TD]
[TD]National Championship OT loss[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]19-20[/TD]
[TD]8[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]20-21[/TD]
[TD]11[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]21-22[/TD]
[TD]18[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]22-23[/TD]
[TD]17[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]23-24[/TD]
[TD]18[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
2019 and earlier they would skate the legs off any opponent! They were dangerous, exciting and played very fast. They played a different game.

Kreitzberg Arena has a larger ice surface with tons of room in the corners and behind the net.
So if you play more than half your games on a larger ice surface, why would you make your team bigger and slower? On top of that, in general, at all levels of hockey, physical play has gone down.
In the past 5 or 6 years it seems the characteristic of Norwich hockey has completely changed from loads of speed, agility and playmakers all over the ice.... to ordinary... in my opinion.

I always enjoy reading the Norwich fans' posts here and the honest assessments of hockey in general. Hobart would love to have the assets that Norwich has from an arena, fanbase IQ and history standpoint. It makes me appreciate Coach Taylor even more that he has continued to recruit a high level athlete . Interestingly, Hobart's Freshmen look like midgets( averaging 5'10" vs Norwich 6'1.5") compared to the Norwich Freshmen this year. But they all look fast and pushing our upperclassmen .

 

[***JCB***]

Now this: Norwich University President out, calls decision 'mutual'

 

[jerrynu26]

Since the last National Championship winning year. The team has gotten drastically larger. Here are the numbers.

Season #Skaters 6'+ [TABLE="border: 1, cellpadding: 1, width: 500"]
[TR]
[TD]16-17[/TD]
[TD]6 [/TD]
[TD]National Champions[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]17-18[/TD]
[TD]5[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]18-19[/TD]
[TD]5[/TD]
[TD]National Championship OT loss[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]19-20[/TD]
[TD]8[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]20-21[/TD]
[TD]11[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]21-22[/TD]
[TD]18[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]22-23[/TD]
[TD]17[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]23-24[/TD]
[TD]18[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

2019 and earlier they would skate the legs off any opponent! They were dangerous, exciting and played very fast. They played a different game.

Kreitzberg Arena has a larger ice surface with tons of room in the corners and behind the net.
So if you play more than half your games on a larger ice surface, why would you make your team bigger and slower? On top of that, in general, at all levels of hockey, physical play has gone down.
In the past 5 or 6 years it seems the characteristic of Norwich hockey has completely changed from loads of speed, agility and playmakers all over the ice.... to ordinary... in my opinion.

To be fair, the 2003 championship team had 16 players 6 feet and over.
they used their size, and speed, to excel.
but, no more Bellemares, Aucoins, McLeans, Pellitiers, Chicoines, or even Nikita K, Rick Cleaver, Raphael Robataille, Eric Lariiault, and so on come here any more.

 

[Hotfoot]

To be fair, the 2003 championship team had 16 players 6 feet and over.
they used their size, and speed, to excel.
but, no more Bellemares, Aucoins, McLeans, Pellitiers, Chicoines, or even Nikita K, Rick Cleaver, Raphael Robataille, Eric Lariiault, and so on come here any more.

To be fair... 20 years ago, physical play was much heavier.

 

[***JCB***]

Decent win today. They scored four goals! I was really worried it was going to snowball after yesterday. Next week will be a big test. If anyone reading this has any power to impact student attendance can you please try to make something happen?

 

[PrezdeJohnson09]

Decent win today. They scored four goals! I was really worried it was going to snowball after yesterday. Next week will be a big test. If anyone reading this has any power to impact student attendance can you please try to make something happen?

Always a good day to beat Babo.

students are back on campus this week. I don’t know what else could possibly jazz up a student section more than two top 5 ranked teams coming to school.

hopefully they show up and bring the noise. Not sure how the hockey player to student connection is now, but I know in the past when I was working there guys like Dean Niezgoda, Tyler Piacentini, Bryce Currier, Alec Thieda went out of their way to try and engage students and corps to come and support the team.

it should be plastered all on social media all week, in the dorms, in the dining hall, at good measure, electronic screens on campus, get the team to setup outside the dining hall and promote it etc.

 

[jerrynu26]

Decent win today. They scored four goals! I was really worried it was going to snowball after yesterday. Next week will be a big test. If anyone reading this has any power to impact student attendance can you please try to make something happen?

Much better performance tonight. Two goals a game isn’t a good formula for winning. Four is way better.
shocker to me-I actually saw d-men pinch into offensive end a few times, and they were better at the physical game. I hope it continues.

 

[Bog Hockey]

I’ve commented that Norwich attracts a Pelletier once every 4-7 years. I’m adjusting that to an optimistic 10-15 years. Should the program remain on its current course, NU will never again hoist a conference championship banner nor receive an at-large bid. The program is declining under the current system.

 

[Steve Day]

Looking Forward to another Exciting game tonight and Hope for better attendance
then the 1600 (TOTAL FOR LAST WEEKEND) GO CADETS


NU 71

 

[jerrynu26]

Looking Forward to another Exciting game tonight and Hope for better attendance
then the 1600 (TOTAL FOR LAST WEEKEND) GO CADETS


NU 71

Let's hope last Saturday's team shows up for the weekend...... It will go a long ways towards who gets home ice and who is away.........

 

[KrbFlint]

it should be plastered all on social media all week, in the dorms, in the dining hall, at good measure, electronic screens on campus, get the team to setup outside the dining hall and promote it etc.

It hasn’t been. Don’t we pay someone to do marketing for hockey/Kreitzberg? The casual fan has zero idea “#1 and #2” are her this weekend.

 

[Bartman]

Congrats to the Cadets for your win over #2 Elmira tonight. Looking forward to watching my Statesmen compete tomorrow in what is now a classic NEHC matchup . Good luck.

 

[PuckVoice]

Funny ...
Great LOYAL fans dumping all over the team after some disappointing outings ...
Now after back to back wins over Babson and Elmira ... Crickets.
Where are you guys now?