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

[AldenPartridge1819]

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

I look forward to seeing a 60 year old Norwich fan wearing a "Cuck Fastleton" shirt in the future. I promise if I see that, I'll shake that persons hand with a smile on my face .

Castleton has a better chance of getting an at-large bid. I think that's part of the point. You won't see that shirt at Norwich, and we think that's a good thing.

 

[NUProf]

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

If you went to the game on Saturday you noticed that all the Norwich fans were AARP card caring members. In 30 or 40 years there probably won't be any Norwich fans at the Norwich CSC game anymore. while I haven't been to Kreitzburg since my youth hockey playing days, hopefully I can make it to the ECAC E playoffs. Would it be safe to say more CSC students come to watch at Norwich, then Norwich students come to watch at CSC?...

We have jobs, lives, girlfriends, sports(we still play in, including mens league hockey at spartan arena!), and for some school work still, and posting daily on a d3 hockey forum isn't a priority. Over time I'm sure we will see more fans emerge here and hopefully stick around. Honestly, I just post here for the pick'ems now, gives me something to do to break up the day and help keep up with other teams in d3.

I know for certain that there were a number of Norwich students in attendance on Saturday - I don't know the numbers either, I know I saw a student with camos and flag, and and several students. I don't think you get the fact that we are a pretty diverse age group, but there are plenty of younger fans from the Barre-Montpelier area, just like Castleton has fans from the Rutland area. Although you may think it is a great insult to refer to an "AARP" fan base, and claim we don't have lives, you'd be wrong on both counts.

As an aside - the mascot emerging from the Olympia machine is just this side of lame. I like the skating mascot, but that whole act was a little contrived, as is your PA announcer guy's shrill whoooo, when Castleton scores. I do wish we had a skating mascot, although I never really liked Old Sarge.

 

[hawk]

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

As a CSC fan, I have to throw my two cents into this conversation. What I think Norwich fans forget to realize is that the fan base for CSC is student based. I'm 25 and did not to go to CSC but I've grown up in Rutland and played my high school games at Spartan Arena(formerly known as Rutland Fieldhouse). I've watched the Castleton program go from a team that my high school could beat easily to a D3 contender in less than a decade. Fans are still forming and with the school continuing to grow and flourish in other sports outside of just hockey I believe it will take some time to grow a more "seasoned" fan base. If you went to the game on Saturday you noticed that all the Norwich fans were AARP card caring members. In 30 or 40 years there probably won't be any Norwich fans at the Norwich CSC game anymore. while I haven't been to Kreitzburg since my youth hockey playing days, hopefully I can make it to the ECAC E playoffs. Would it be safe to say more CSC students come to watch at Norwich, then Norwich students come to watch at CSC? That's actually a question, because I don't actually know, and you guys would since you have seen a lot of CSC/Norwich games at Kreitzburg. As for the forum posts, that is probably why you haven't seen a lot of CSC posters...we are all kids compared to you guys. We have jobs, lives, girlfriends, sports(we still play in, including mens league hockey at spartan arena!), and for some school work still, and posting daily on a d3 hockey forum isn't a priority. Over time I'm sure we will see more fans emerge here and hopefully stick around. Honestly, I just post here for the pick'ems now, gives me something to do to break up the day and help keep up with other teams in d3.

You are all right about one thing, Castleton still needs to prove themselves, and losing by a combined 5 goals in 4 games to Platty and Norwich this year is not going to do it. They need to win the ECAC E, and make it to the NCAA playoffs. They need to play better competition year in and year out and stay consistent. Anybody can have a few good years with a good class of players, but what makes a team standout is sustained strength. As for the Nuck Forwich shirt, I thought that was hilarious, and the only negative I had about it was that I didn't come up with it first. I respect Norwich and the skill they have. They were number 1 all year for a very good reason(still are in my mind), but much like my feelings for the Red Sox, I hope you guys lose each week, especially when you play CSC. I look forward to seeing a 60 year old Norwich fan wearing a "Cuck Fastleton" shirt in the future. I promise if I see that, I'll shake that persons hand with a smile on my face .

I like Castleton hockey but the tea shirts have to go and I wonder if the Castleton Administration would allow them if they had to do it all over again. I would guess that Norwich, Middlebury, and Plattsburgh would not allow admission to the arena with an offensive tea shirt. Speaking of students going to the game it is a whole lot easier for a Castleton student to go to a Norwich game than one at Castleton. Norwich sells tickets on line and you can almost always get a standing room ticket at the door. On the other hand Castleton made it almost impossible for somebody out of the area to buy a seat since most of the tickets were pre-sold before going to the so called general public. A person who showed up Saturday would of ended up mall shopping unstead of going to a game. In the past Csastleton ticket sales were more inclusive but not this year.

 

[PuckVoice]

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

As a CSC fan, I have to throw my two cents into this conversation. What I think Norwich fans forget to realize is that the fan base for CSC is student based. I'm 25 and did not to go to CSC but I've grown up in Rutland and played my high school games at Spartan Arena(formerly known as Rutland Fieldhouse). I've watched the Castleton program go from a team that my high school could beat easily to a D3 contender in less than a decade. Fans are still forming and with the school continuing to grow and flourish in other sports outside of just hockey I believe it will take some time to grow a more "seasoned" fan base. If you went to the game on Saturday you noticed that all the Norwich fans were AARP card caring members. In 30 or 40 years there probably won't be any Norwich fans at the Norwich CSC game anymore. while I haven't been to Kreitzburg since my youth hockey playing days, hopefully I can make it to the ECAC E playoffs. Would it be safe to say more CSC students come to watch at Norwich, then Norwich students come to watch at CSC? That's actually a question, because I don't actually know, and you guys would since you have seen a lot of CSC/Norwich games at Kreitzburg. As for the forum posts, that is probably why you haven't seen a lot of CSC posters...we are all kids compared to you guys. We have jobs, lives, girlfriends, sports(we still play in, including mens league hockey at spartan arena!), and for some school work still, and posting daily on a d3 hockey forum isn't a priority. Over time I'm sure we will see more fans emerge here and hopefully stick around. Honestly, I just post here for the pick'ems now, gives me something to do to break up the day and help keep up with other teams in d3.

You are all right about one thing, Castleton still needs to prove themselves, and losing by a combined 5 goals in 4 games to Platty and Norwich this year is not going to do it. They need to win the ECAC E, and make it to the NCAA playoffs. They need to play better competition year in and year out and stay consistent. Anybody can have a few good years with a good class of players, but what makes a team standout is sustained strength. As for the Nuck Forwich shirt, I thought that was hilarious, and the only negative I had about it was that I didn't come up with it first. I respect Norwich and the skill they have. They were number 1 all year for a very good reason(still are in my mind), but much like my feelings for the Red Sox, I hope you guys lose each week, especially when you play CSC. I look forward to seeing a 60 year old Norwich fan wearing a "Cuck Fastleton" shirt in the future. I promise if I see that, I'll shake that persons hand with a smile on my face .

Hey Junior ... chill here for a minute ...
Not all Norwich fans at the game Saturday were AARP members ... and most of those who were have jobs and other things to worry about too ... but all the Cadets fans who were there ... regardless of age ... were there to support the Cadets ... and to do it with CLASS ... something not shown by certain members of the Castleton fan base ... the younger one's your post apparently represents.

Why is it that many young fans feel it is necessary to show their cleverness ... by putting something cleverly risque on a $1.99 Tee-Shirt? Is it a sign of the high level of their education? Is the kid who came up with "Nuck Forwich" going to get an "A" in "Creative Writing 101"? If he or she does it will be underserved ... the genius obviously stole in from Oswego where they have putting out "Puck Flattsburgh" shirts for years. Hey at least at Oswego the line includes a reference to hockey.

As far as the student section at Kreitzberg goes ... as you will see if you make it over for ECAC's ... it is large, loud and supportive ... but they do it with class ... there were quite a few of them in Rutland on Saturday ... but you probably didn't recognize them as students Junior, because they supported the team without making fools of themselves.

 

[jerrynu26]

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

If you went to the game on Saturday you noticed that all the Norwich fans were AARP card caring members. In 30 or 40 years there probably won't be any Norwich fans at the Norwich CSC game anymore.

Pretty broad generalization, which is in fact, incorrect.

As for the forum posts, that is probably why you haven't seen a lot of CSC posters...we are all kids compared to you guys. We have jobs, lives, girlfriends, sports(we still play in, including mens league hockey at spartan arena!), and for some school work still, and posting daily on a d3 hockey forum isn't a priority.

You don;t beleive Norwich fans have those things in their lives as well? Oh thats right, you ASSUME we are all retired. Another point which is incorrect.

Over time I'm sure we will see more fans emerge here and hopefully stick around. Honestly, I just post here for the pick'ems now, gives me something to do to break up the day and help keep up with other teams in d3.

Doubtful that will occur until, and unless, CSC beats Norwich, or it is another season. Fans that post, and then disappear after a loss, aren't REALLY fans, are they?

You are all right about one thing, Castleton still needs to prove themselves, and losing by a combined 5 goals in 4 games to Platty and Norwich this year is not going to do it. They need to win the ECAC E, and make it to the NCAA playoffs. They need to play better competition year in and year out and stay consistent. Anybody can have a few good years with a good class of players, but what makes a team standout is sustained strength. As for the Nuck Forwich shirt, I thought that was hilarious, and the only negative I had about it was that I didn't come up with it first. I respect Norwich and the skill they have. They were number 1 all year for a very good reason(still are in my mind), but much like my feelings for the Red Sox, I hope you guys lose each week, especially when you play CSC. I look forward to seeing a 60 year old Norwich fan wearing a "Cuck Fastleton" shirt in the future. I promise if I see that, I'll shake that persons hand with a smile on my face .

You are right, the record vs. Ranked teams will kill them at the end of the year. It isn't about 5 goal differential in 4 games, it is about 4 losses. As for scheduling better competition, yes, that would be helpful. The problem is that a lot of those teams need CSC games far less than CSC needs them. SO incidents at the end of game that they lose may cost them opportunities to schedule those teams later.


And I think Alden is correct, you won't see that shirt at Norwich.

 

[CollegeHCKYfan2323]

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

I think that T- shirt saying "Nuck Forwich" is a harmless way to show school spirit. Its well know that Norwich has next to zero respect for Castleton at any level whether its hockey, football or academic's. If you go to any other big time rivalry you will see way worse shirts and hear a lot more worse things. Also don't know if anyone heard about the altercation in the parking lot two young norwich fans punched a middle ages man over a parking spot. With all that said Saturday was a great back and fourth game and I predict Castleton not falling off like they did last year in the playoffs, Norwich vs Castleton final.

 

[PrezdeJohnson09]

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

The Nuck Forwich shirt wasn't even on a student. It was a guy in his 30's with a helmet on with spikes and his face painted.

 

[NUProf]

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

I think that T- shirt saying "Nuck Forwich" is a harmless way to show school spirit.

It makes no sense - at least the original one in Plattsburgh - Oswego rivalry made sense. What exactly is a "Nuck?" And Flattsburgh sounds like what would happen to Plattsburgh if it were flattened.

 

[Birdwatcher]

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

Castleton has a better chance of getting an at-large bid. I think that's part of the point. You won't see that shirt at Norwich, and we think that's a good thing.

A couple years back the Oz students wore shirts that said "Puck Flattsburgh" so the Castleton idea is NOT original.

 

[CollegeHCKYfan2323]

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

A couple years back the Oz students wore shirts that said "Puck Flattsburgh" so the Castleton idea is NOT original.

It has nothing to do with originality, its just a shirt for a fan to show how they feel

 

[PrezdeJohnson09]

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

Are there any special awards or such for former head coach Bob Priestly (1952-1979)?

Yes. The Priestly Award is given every year to the Norwich men's ice hockey player that best exemplifies the spirit of Norwich hockey. Greg Eskedjian and Scott Schroeder were the co-winners last season.

 

[bakdraft21]

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

A couple years back the Oz students wore shirts that said "Puck Flattsburgh" so the Castleton idea is NOT original.

Hey Prez your getting TONS of back up on the shirt Idea from the "AARP" guys...I say hey you have to be doing something right if you made it to the AARP age, Im almost there myself,so I guess I can go to a Norwich game soon

 

[VT bragging rights]

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

Norwich-Castleton 3rd game
With Norwich & Castleton already claiming the #1 & #2 seeds for the ECAC East play-offs the only way they will meet will be in the championship game. The Cadets have only played the Spartens once in the play-offs. This was the first year Casleton was in the ECAC East and Norwich spanked them 16-0. Castleton has never made it past the semi-finals. The two games played this season betwenn Norwich & Castleton have been outstanding games & would not mind seeing a third game.


Castleton Play-off Record
2011 Qtr NEC W 5-1
Semi Babson L 3-4
2010 Qtr NEC L 1-6
2009 Qtr Babson L 1-4
2008 Qtr Salem St L 1-6
2007 Qtr SMU W 3-2 OT
Semi NEC L 2-3
2006 Qtr Babson L 1-4
2005 Qtr Norwich L 0-16

 

[CROSBYNU63]

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

AARP, come on that is dumping on us old guys. Last season we averaged about 500 students to Norwich home games with a high of 800 at the Middlebury game. I know I am almost 71 so I am dragging up the average. The tee shirt thing stinks, I think I saw one today that said, "Suck Fartans" much more appropriate for ARRP folks. Rest assured you won't see it in the rink.

 

[Birdwatcher]

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

Just watching Grownups on Starz and noticed Adam Sandler wearing a green Vermont Catamount Hockey t-shirt.

 

[CSC Dad]

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

Where to start?? The bad Castleton fans – well on February 16, 2008 I had my first experience of attending a Norwich- Castleton game in Northfield. This was my second visit to Norwich as I attended the semi-finals the previous year but Castleton played NEC.

My experience might open some eyes of the Norwich fans. It seems due a quirk in the seat numbering the seats around the visiting team bench are split up. My three tickets had the seats consecutively numbered but one of the three was behind the visitor’s bench and the other two tickets were closer to the Blue Line. No problem for my family, however a family of 4 Castleton fans were separated the same as we were, however the Mother was scared to sit there with her young daughter because of the behavior of a FEW Cadets. They were perched behind the Castleton bench trying to distract the players and their language was not very nice. I had my wife and daughter move over with me to let the other family sit together where they felt more comfortable.

As the game started the Cadets seated behind Castleton the bench were constantly pounding on the glass yelling profanities at the players. It got so bad my wife spoke to them and they were very disrespectful to her as well. She however quickly quieted them by simply addressing one of loudest Cadets by his last name. She politely asked if he wished her to go report them to the arena staff. They got very quiet quickly and then left because they were not going to be able to harass the Castleton players for the entire game.

My point is that at a sporting event fans from either team can get on the people’s nerves even the highly disciplined Cadets of Norwich. As long as they do not impair the viewing of the game then why make such a fuss.

However I do remember that after the Norwich-Castleton game the previous year (in Rutland) a Norwich fan telling me that if had been in Norwich the students who used an off-color cheer during the game would be escorted out of the arena because Norwich does not tolerate that behavior. Well, I experienced it in Northfield and not one arena official even came down to the area even though these Cadets did not have tickets for that area.

I get the Norwich point of view as I live in a community that supports an Air Force base. In fact my wife teaches children of service families (which is why she was so quick to address the Cadet by his last name since she sees military families every day of the school year). Your expectations of behavior are different from the general public but don’t let that cloud your view of others who are not subject to the same expectations.

As for the T-Shirts at the game, it seems that Castleton once again just does not have the right to express themselves at their home rink. Frankly, I will take their method of expression over the Cadets choice of expression back at the 2008 game. As for them copying other teams – well back in the early 90’s I attended a Phillies-Mets game in Philadelphia as saw Mets fans parading around the stadium with similar T-Shirts that replaced the first letter of the first word with PH. The idea is not new.

Finally, as for the “AARP” reference of previous poster, there are a number of older followers of Castleton as well. Norwich does tend to have a large number of Alumni that follow the team and as the years go by then it happens. I happen to fit that description as a Castleton fan; however I can’t go to many games as it is a 5 hour trip to Rutland and it would be 6 hours to Northfield.

Please, Norwich fans, understand that the things that bug you about Castleton are a result of the team being new to D3 hockey. The fans will make what you feel are errors in judgment, but over time as whole they will become better versed as more established team’s fans have become. Give them time before you judge them so harshly. They are now approaching an average attendance of 800 people which is great considering that when I started following them for the 2005-2006 season they averaged only 295 people - an admirable increase for any program.

 

[jerrynu26]

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

Wow. Where has the time gone? Bear with me, or ignore my post if you prefer……. I may wax nostalgic here…
Ah, the USCHO era! One of the best things to happen for fans of college hockey (and in some ways the bane of it). In any event, a few thoughts….(confined to this era as reflecting on the pre-USCHO time would be lengthy in the extreme….).
I might have imagined “A” National Championship, singular, but never thought of seeing four take place!! Fourteen time regular season champions? Get out! How many NCAA tournament appearances? Ridiculous! All-Americans everywhere, including a four-time, first-team All-American? Are you SERIOUS?
All those games, all that travel, all the players (past and present) that I’ve gotten to know, in many cases far beyond the confines of an arena. Fine young men (and now women), representing the school in such a positive fashion. Being able to recall not only the names, but numbers and positions of so many.
Watching games with close friends, whether here in New England, or out in that desert wasteland known as the “West” (I know prof, it’s the Near West!).
Actually being present when a kid with purple and gold glasses seemingly grew up before our eyes, and became not only an unabashed fan of three teams, but also a respected journalist of college hockey in general (Kash may be rolling over now).
Watching DIII hockey grow, with new conferences and champions, and sadly (in some ways), the flight of programs to new conferences and alignments. (But always, with some growth of the sport in general.)
It has been one heck of a ride!!!
But also sadly, for the loss of our captain, as fine a young man as ever sat at our table for Thanksgiving. #20 remains in all our hearts, and is sorely missed.
Here is to the next 5k, and wherever the road takes us!

 

[PrezdeJohnson09]

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

Just watching Grownups on Starz and noticed Adam Sandler wearing a green Vermont Catamount Hockey t-shirt.

Isn't that the movie where he wears a shirt for like every school in the America/Hockey East?

 

[Birdwatcher]

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

Isn't that the movie where he wears a shirt for like every school in the America/Hockey East?

I think you may be right. Very funny movie.

 

[Old Rook NU'66]

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

Has anyone run across a video link to a local Vermont Sports TV News feed that shows highlights of the NU victory over CSC? Can you please post that link on this thread? Many thanks.