Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

[bakdraft21]

Re: Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

When you're ranked #1 you're supposed to win every game aren't you? Going undefeated in today's game is basically impossible now. Too many good teams, too many games, too many factors that play into it nowadays.

UMass-Boston wanted it more tonight. Plain and simple. They were an overmatched team talent and skill wise but they had an outstanding goaltender performance and they hustled down every loose puck and had the extra kick in their steps that Norwich seemed to be lacking.

A loss to UMass-Boston isn't the end of the world. Plenty of games left to play and now Norwich doesn't have to deal with the pressure of trying to go undefeated anymore. Obviously you never want to lose in conference, but it happens. Norwich just has to win now, especially against Castleton in order to secure home ice.

when your ranked #1, and undefeated, you have that target on your back, and you get the AAAA game from all opponents, throw in a unconscious goalie and heads-up...this is y I dont care if Oswego is ever ranked 1....I have watched, on the web, Norwich a bunch of times, and they seem to have it all, their d-men move the puck better than any team I have seen, and their forwards never stop skating...well see them in the final 4 for sure..

 

[17'sfanNU]

Re: Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

Just read the news that Shawn Baker has been nominated to the Hockey Humanitarian Award. Well deserved, Shawn.

 

[hawk]

Re: Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

When you're ranked #1 you're supposed to win every game aren't you? Going undefeated in today's game is basically impossible now. Too many good teams, too many games, too many factors that play into it nowadays.

UMass-Boston wanted it more tonight. Plain and simple. They were an overmatched team talent and skill wise but they had an outstanding goaltender performance and they hustled down every loose puck and had the extra kick in their steps that Norwich seemed to be lacking.

A loss to UMass-Boston isn't the end of the world. Plenty of games left to play and now Norwich doesn't have to deal with the pressure of trying to go undefeated anymore. Obviously you never want to lose in conference, but it happens. Norwich just has to win now, especially against Castleton in order to secure home ice.

Looks like Norwich ran into another hot goaltender at UMASS Boston on Saturday-Norwich shot count was 40 vs 16 for USMASS Boston. I agree with a lot of the comments that a hot goaltender can steal a game anytime. What I am somewhat concerned about is the lack of scoring this year. When Scott Schroeder didn't return this year it took a lot of points from the Cadets lineup. Add to the fact that there best player, Kyle Thomas, was out of the lineup. Norwich is a great defensive team so they should be successful the balance of the year. Just wondering who fans think the fans think the points will come from down the stretch?

 

[PrezdeJohnson09]

Re: Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

Just read the news that Shawn Baker has been nominated to the Hockey Humanitarian Award. Well deserved, Shawn.

We're hoping to get him past just the nomination round.

We should find out whether or not he's been named a finalist in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

Couldn't have happened to a better student-athlete.

 

[CROSBYNU63]

Re: Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

Last season the Cadets scored an average of 4.26 goals per game and allowed an average of 2.16 goals per game. This season we are scoring 4.23 per game and allowing just 1.85. Using your logic Schroeder accounted for .03 goals per game. As they say on football "come on man". That being said it would be nice if he had returned.

Looks like Norwich ran into another hot goaltender at UMASS Boston on Saturday-Norwich shot count was 40 vs 16 for USMASS Boston. I agree with a lot of the comments that a hot goaltender can steal a game anytime. What I am somewhat concerned about is the lack of scoring this year. When Scott Schroeder didn't return this year it took a lot of points from the Cadets lineup. Add to the fact that there best player, Kyle Thomas, was out of the lineup. Norwich is a great defensive team so they should be successful the balance of the year. Just wondering who fans think the fans think the points will come from down the stretch?

 

[Old Rook NU'66]

Re: Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

UMass-Boston wanted it more tonight. Plain and simple. They were an overmatched team talent and skill wise but they had an outstanding goaltender performance and they hustled down every loose puck and had the extra kick in their steps that Norwich seemed to be lacking.

As someone said in an earlier post, better we run the table without any defeats in the post season when it really counts and when losing eliminates us from moving forward. UMass may have wanted it more but desire does not always translate into results. Give them some credit for coming into this game well prepared to use their best assets, a good game plan and sticking to it. Scoring first no doubt surely gave them enormous confidence that they could knock us off.

I have to say that UMass Boston is the one of those few teams NU has played that stayed "in our face" for a full 60 minutes of play. I really hate the size of that rink--it seems almost claustrophobically too small. And UMass used the size of that venue to their advantage--never allowing us to really get the cycle and rhythm of our game going.

They also hit harder than any team I have seen us play--not dirty mind you--but it seems that every time one of our wingers carried the puck forward and up along the sides--their defenders would jam him into the boards. I mean they laid on some real "head over heels" hits on us. Honestly, I was surprised we got as many shots on goals (40) as the box score indicated--and their goalie had a very hot hand.

I don't think the Cadets will forget these guys quickly and be out for payback when they visit the berg later in the season. Time to put this one beyond us concentrate only on the next game. Nothing more counts than the next game.

 

[hawk]

Re: Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

Last season the Cadets scored an average of 4.26 goals per game and allowed an average of 2.16 goals per game. This season we are scoring 4.23 per game and allowing just 1.85. Using your logic Schroeder accounted for .03 goals per game. As they say on football "come on man". That being said it would be nice if he had returned.

The stats are interesting but to me it just seemed like last year's team was capable of scoring the key goal when needed. Norwich has some excellent freshmen defensemen so maybe it even's out. I was just looking at the D3 stats and Kyle Thomas was tied at 33 in points with 20 total points. Of course you don't see many, in any, Plattsburgh players near the top of the list and I consider Plattsburgh the hot team in the east. Coming down the stretch goaltending will be the key and a lot of teams have outstanding goalie's this year. Foreky being out has not helped either.

The Barre-Montpelier Times Argus reporter Ann Grearson had a very interesting article in today's paper about Kyle Thomas and his life growing up in Waltham, MA. His dad was a star football player at BC and was drafted and played for the Dalas Cowboys. The site is protected so I was unable to attach a link. Prez I was wondering if the Times Argus was going to allow the release of the article so all interested hockey fans could read it.

 

[PrezdeJohnson09]

Re: Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

The stats are interesting but to me it just seemed like last year's team was capable of scoring the key goal when needed. Norwich has some excellent freshmen defensemen so maybe it even's out. I was just looking at the D3 stats and Kyle Thomas was tied at 33 in points with 20 total points. Of course you don't see many, in any, Plattsburgh players near the top of the list and I consider Plattsburgh the hot team in the east. Coming down the stretch goaltending will be the key and a lot of teams have outstanding goalie's this year. Foreky being out has not helped either.

The Barre-Montpelier Times Argus reporter Ann Grearson had a very interesting article in today's paper about Kyle Thomas and his life growing up in Waltham, MA. His dad was a star football player at BC and was drafted and played for the Dalas Cowboys. The site is protected so I was unable to attach a link. Prez I was wondering if the Times Argus was going to allow the release of the article so all interested hockey fans could read it.

Anna has done a tremendous job covering NU men's and women's hockey this year. Unfortunately, we most likely won't get a chance to see it unless you buy the paper. They are very strict with their online edition and you have to be a subscriber to view the articles.

 

[norm1909]

Re: Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

Norwich gained puck-luck

 

[17'sfanNU]

Re: Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

We're hoping to get him past just the nomination round.

We should find out whether or not he's been named a finalist in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

Couldn't have happened to a better student-athlete.

Prez, is there anything the Norwich community can do to "get him past the nomination round"? I am sure there are a lot of people willing to write a letter to thank Shawn for his service as a volunteer firefighter and his assistance during the floods. He is an all around great guy and deserves the honor.

 

[PrezdeJohnson09]

Prez, is there anything the Norwich community can do to "get him past the nomination round"? I am sure there are a lot of people willing to write a letter to thank Shawn for his service as a volunteer firefighter and his assistance during the floods. He is an all around great guy and deserves the honor.

I'm pretty sure the selection committee has everything they need at the moment. I assure you Norwich University put its best foot forward on this project to give Shawn every resource possible to try and win this award.

I'll be shocked if he doesn't atleast make the finalist list.

We included two letters of recommendation as well as his his feature in NCAA champion magazine among other things in the nomination package.

 

[jerrynu26]

Re: Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

The stats are interesting but to me it just seemed like last year's team was capable of scoring the key goal when needed. Norwich has some excellent freshmen defensemen so maybe it even's out.

Last year this week - 10-4-1, this year 11-1-1. Looks like they score key goals this year.

 

[hawk]

Re: Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

I am wondering if the breakup of the interlock has anything to do the comparision. A lot of NESCAC teams have been up and down this year, however, Bowdoin, Middlebury, Amherst, and Williams at least are very good teams. Hamilton was also very hard to beat in there home rink. The ECAC E has soome good teams but not as strong overall.

 

[jerrynu26]

Re: Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

I am wondering if the breakup of the interlock has anything to do the comparision. A lot of NESCAC teams have been up and down this year, however, Bowdoin, Middlebury, Amherst, and Williams at least are very good teams. Hamilton was also very hard to beat in there home rink. The ECAC E has soome good teams but not as strong overall.

Last year against Plattsburgh and Castleton at this time-0-3-0, and throw in a loss to Manhattanville. This year, 2-0-1, and add a win against Elmira.

Yeah, a real downhill slide going on.

 

[OSU2010]

Last year against Plattsburgh and Castleton at this time-0-3-0, and throw in a loss to Manhattanville. This year, 2-0-1, and add a win against Elmira.

Yeah, a real downhill slide going on.

yeah, its probably time to fire the coach

 

[Old Rook NU'66]

Re: Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

.

I am wondering if the breakup of the interlock has anything to do the comparision. A lot of NESCAC teams have been up and down this year, however, Bowdoin, Middlebury, Amherst, and Williams at least are very good teams. Hamilton was also very hard to beat in there home rink. The ECAC E has soome good teams but not as strong overall.

It is an interesting thought. However, one would think that before making that kind of hypothesis you would also have to factor in how many seniors were lost in each league and how many freshman came into each respective programs. In my mind there are just too many variables to make a valid "what if" argument about the NESCAC interlock. Originally I was sad to see them go but they so easily allowed Middlebury to drop NU in football--when it was among the nation's longest rivalries--that I was not surprised. At least Middlebury remains on our schedule.

Actually I think team's consistent excellence within any league will many times depend on how strategically important hockey is to the school.

Hockey has always been a very important sport at Norwich--not unlike lacrosse is at Hobart. What's more about twenty years ago someone at Norwich saw how important a bonding agent hockey could be between Norwich and the central Vermont community. A bond that never existed when I was a youngster in Cadet Crosby's Corp of Cadets--but is now critical in the community relations arena.

Therefore the school tries to put together a first class product every year and at every level starting with the team and includes superb coaching, facilities, women's hockey, the broadcasting... and yes even those rest rooms.

That is the kind of commitment a school needs to make in order to competed. And we have seen that happen recently. For example, it only took Castleton seven years to build on a first year 0-25 disaster to a nationally ranked team. Someone in Rutland must have thought it was important enough for that to happen. And who had ever heard of Adrian and hockey mentioned in the same sentence a decade ago? It is all about a school's priorities. UNE is starting to build a first class hockey venue here in Maine. I just hope they understand that there is more ingredients to the equation than just, "If they build it--they will come." You need to make all the sustaining investments as well---just as Norwich, Bowdoin and Middlebury have year after year.

But one thing is certain and that is the talent pool is now even enough that on any give day (as UMass Boston proved last weekend) any team: properly motivated and with a good game plan can beat anyone. But that is a tactical not a strategic outcome. In the overall scheme of things great teams in NESCAC, ECAC-E, etc. shrug off a loss, learn from it and just start preparing for the next game.

 

[NUProf]

Re: Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

On a whole different subject, any question that not having Thomas hurt the Cadets on Saturday. Even when he doesn't produce goals, defending against him becomes such a priority for the opposition that it makes other players better. As far as the Poll thing is concerned, I think NU will squeak by an hold onto first with either Plattsburgh or Oswego in second.

 

[hawk]

Re: Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

.

It is an interesting thought. However, one would think that before making that kind of hypothesis you would also have to factor in how many seniors were lost in each league and how many freshman came into each respective programs. In my mind there are just too many variables to make a valid "what if" argument about the NESCAC interlock. Originally I was sad to see them go but they so easily allowed Middlebury to drop NU in football--when it was among the nation's longest rivalries--that I was not surprised. At least Middlebury remains on our schedule.

Actually I think team's consistent excellence within any league will many times depend on how strategically important hockey is to the school.

Hockey has always been a very important sport at Norwich--not unlike lacrosse is at Hobart. What's more about twenty years ago someone at Norwich saw how important a bonding agent hockey could be between Norwich and the central Vermont community. A bond that never existed when I was a youngster in Cadet Crosby's Corp of Cadets--but is now critical in the community relations arena.

Therefore the school tries to put together a first class product every year and at every level starting with the team and includes superb coaching, facilities, women's hockey, the broadcasting... and yes even those rest rooms.

That is the kind of commitment a school needs to make in order to competed. And we have seen that happen recently. For example, it only took Castleton seven years to build on a first year 0-25 disaster to a nationally ranked team. Someone in Rutland must have thought it was important enough for that to happen. And who had ever heard of Adrian and hockey mentioned in the same sentence a decade ago? It is all about a school's priorities. UNE is starting to build a first class hockey venue here in Maine. I just hope they understand that there is more ingredients to the equation than just, "If they build it--they will come." You need to make all the sustaining investments as well---just as Norwich, Bowdoin and Middlebury have year after year.

But one thing is certain and that is the talent pool is now even enough that on any give day (as UMass Boston proved last weekend) any team: properly motivated and with a good game plan can beat anyone. But that is a tactical not a strategic outcome. In the overall scheme of things great teams in NESCAC, ECAC-E, etc. shrug off a loss, learn from it and just start preparing for the next game.

Old Rook do you have any idea when the UNE hockey facility will be completed and what the seating will like, ie like Bowdoin or Norwich or something like the Plymouth rink. You referenced Castleton improvement over the years but I think the same thing is happening with UNE. You are starting to see the program pick up a few wins including a tie with USMASS Boston.

 

[Old Rook NU'66]

Re: Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

Hawk: Old Rook do you have any idea when the UNE hockey facility will be completed and what the seating will like, ie like Bowdoin or Norwich or something like the Plymouth rink. You referenced Castleton improvement over the years but I think the same thing is happening with UNE. You are starting to see the program pick up a few wins including a tie with USMASS Boston.

Recently I happen to chat with a retired VP at UNE about that and all I learned is that the dough is in the bank and they are ready to break ground. I have only seen outside renderings of the building--not the seating chart. My guess is that the new venue will serve as a UNE profit center as there are not many arenas in our area other than that "arm pit" called the Biddeford Ice Center. I would look for high schools to use it as well. UNE has been growing by leaps and bounds over the decade we have lived in the area--and the York County area of Southern Maine is perfect to create a strong local following for a DIII hockey program.

One thing I forget to mention is that while an entire suite of ingredients are critical to a strong program--the one I forgot is you have to get the fans there. Last time I was in the Berg I noticed a list of 70 plus names in the lobby of folks waiting for season tickets. That is the mark of a strong program.

 

[PrezdeJohnson09]

Re: Norwich Cadets Hockey 2011-2012: In Search of a Title

On a whole different subject, any question that not having Thomas hurt the Cadets on Saturday. Even when he doesn't produce goals, defending against him becomes such a priority for the opposition that it makes other players better. As far as the Poll thing is concerned, I think NU will squeak by an hold onto first with either Plattsburgh or Oswego in second.

If Kyle was able to skate and play the way he was capable of it might have made a difference. But that rink is so tiny UMB might have been able to limit his effectiveness.

As OldRook said, they were extremely successful in taking the body any time a Norwich forward tried to carry the puck into the zone.

OldRook, I don't think I've officially met you yet and I'd like to get the chance next time you're at the Berg. Let's make plans to meet up.

I'm fairly confident I saw you at UMB since you were wearing a cap that said Old Rook on the front and 66 on the back. Do I have the right man?

Never had a chance to come down and say hi though unfortunately.