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Norwich university cadets 2014-2015

Re: Norwich university cadets 2014-2015

Congrats to the girls for their hard work this weekend, coming away with two wins. There has been some shifting in the lines. I can only guess - trying to change things up. Still looks like it may take some time for everything to "click" and to see passing hit tape to tape. Good Job Ladies! "Way to go Pats!"
 
Re: Norwich university cadets 2014-2015

womanplayhockey said:
Congrats to the girls for their hard work this weekend, coming away with two wins. There has been some shifting in the lines. I can only guess - trying to change things up. Still looks like it may take some time for everything to "click" and to see passing hit tape to tape. Good Job Ladies! "Way to go Pats!"
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I thought there was a lack of intensity vs Plymouth on Friday and they started kind of slow vs UMASS On Saturday. But there 2nd period against UMASS might be there best period of the season. I don't say that because of the five goals they scored. They broke out well, had good puck possession and scored by hitting open players that had looks at the net. There were still some of the blind throws out in front that resulted for a few goals. Elmira, Platty and Midd's D are to good to just throw the puck out in front of the net hoping for a bounce. Those teams in my opinion break that out quick for odd man rushes. Love the young goaltenders.
 
Re: Norwich university cadets 2014-2015

Tjames said:
I thought there was a lack of intensity vs Plymouth on Friday and they started kind of slow vs UMASS On Saturday. But there 2nd period against UMASS might be there best period of the season. I don't say that because of the five goals they scored. They broke out well, had good puck possession and scored by hitting open players that had looks at the net. There were still some of the blind throws out in front that resulted for a few goals. Elmira, Platty and Midd's D are to good to just throw the puck out in front of the net hoping for a bounce. Those teams in my opinion break that out quick for odd man rushes. Love the young goaltenders.
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I agree on your assessment for the second period. I actually said in the intermission with Tanner when we talked about the big period I almost was ticked off they ended up scoring three more because now it was "easy" to say it was the best period of the season because they scored five goals. The truth be told, it was already their best period of the season after scoring the first two goals because of everything you mentioned.

Hope the second period Cadets show up for 60 minutes tonight in Middlebury!
 
Re: Norwich university cadets 2014-2015

womanplayhockey said:
Congrats to the girls for their hard work this weekend, coming away with two wins. There has been some shifting in the lines. I can only guess - trying to change things up. Still looks like it may take some time for everything to "click" and to see passing hit tape to tape. Good Job Ladies! "Way to go Pats!"
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Welcome to our humble little thread womanplayhockey! Your comments (as are all) are appreciated.

Line changes by the coaching staff are a frequent occurrence, based on a number of reasons so don't feel offended if your kid, for example, drops from the first to third line.

I felt that the Plymouth game was way to close for comfort, although something was said by the coaching staff afterwards as the UMass game was a complete turnaround.

At this point in the season, it's time to make the team aware of the fact that they are better than they think they are. ( If it hasn't been said already) Right about now, the confidence factor needs to kick in. Friday's game vs. Franklin Pierce will be a good test. I for one will be looking for cleaner breakouts from the defense, winning more scrums on the boards in the offensive zones, and most importantly, getting more quality shots on net.

With respect to the Middlebury game, I felt we paired up well but the weak goal in overtime was a bummer. We need to avoid those like the plague if we are to achieve the goal of making it to the NCAA frozen four, which frankly in my book, is what it's all about. Yes, the loss was tough but getting past it is more important, just chalk it up to experience and be stronger for it.

Oh and what a deflating win the Pats had in the superbowl... naa, just kidding. That kid that intercepted that pass in the final seconds has a bright future. Should be seeing a selfi from him with Mickey Mouse soon?
 
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Re: Norwich university cadets 2014-2015

NU FAN said:
Welcome to our humble little thread womanplayhockey! Your comments (as are all) are appreciated.

Line changes by the coaching staff are a frequent occurrence, based on a number of reasons so don't feel offended if your kid, for example, drops from the first to third line.

I felt that the Plymouth game was way to close for comfort, although something was said by the coaching staff afterwards as the UMass game was a complete turnaround.

At this point in the season, it's time to make the team aware of the fact that they are better than they think they are. ( If it hasn't been said already) Right about now, the confidence factor needs to kick in. Friday's game vs. Franklin Pierce will be a good test. I for one will be looking for cleaner breakouts from the defense, winning more scrums on the boards in the offensive zones, and most importantly, getting more quality shots on net.

With respect to the Middlebury game, I felt we paired up well but the weak goal in overtime was a bummer. We need to avoid those like the plague if we are to achieve the goal of making it to the NCAA frozen four, which frankly in my book, is what it's all about. Yes, the loss was tough but getting past it is more important, just chalk it up to experience and be stronger for it.

Oh and what a deflating win the Pats had in the superbowl... naa, just kidding. That kid that intercepted that pass in the final seconds has a bright future. Should be seeing a selfi from him with Mickey Mouse soon?
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I'm a little late to chime in, not to mention the puck drops in 15 mins against FP. I agree with you 100%. The goal in OT was a defensive breakdown. Which is to bad because Defense and goaltending is the reason why they have the record they do. I like that they have'nt had any letdowns vs lesser teams and they've competed well vs heavy hitters except for the Platty loss. I just don't feel as though they have improved much since the beginning of the year.
 
Re: Norwich university cadets 2014-2015

Tjames said:
I'm a little late to chime in, not to mention the puck drops in 15 mins against FP. I agree with you 100%. The goal in OT was a defensive breakdown. Which is to bad because Defense and goaltending is the reason why they have the record they do. I like that they have'nt had any letdowns vs lesser teams and they've competed well vs heavy hitters except for the Platty loss. I just don't feel as though they have improved much since the beginning of the year.
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Thank you for the kind welcome. It took me this long to receive an email back so I could post...I am not seeing consistency from game to game. One game the breakout is fast, quick passes tape to tape. Good passing in the offensive zone, to open up the shooting lane to get some great shots on net. Those are the games I LOVE to watch regardless of the score. They look like a "team". Then...some games, IDK I see blind passes just to dump it out of the zone. Women not passing and skating it out of the defensive zone. Shots taken when clearly the opponents entire team is standing in front of the net. Girls not making those quick passes in the offensive zone and taking shots when others are open. Mistakes that are too obvious to overlook. I see those games and I'm frustrated...(I can only imagine how the players and coaches feel) They have the potential to be that "great" team when all the components come together. I am hoping that things "click" for every game left in the regular season. One good note(among many) less penalties! I also feel, there should be more improvement in the passing and the quality of shots on net, not just the number on net. I love the goals that the entire line/shift has touched the puck. One goal, two assists and everyone has a hand in getting the puck in the net (including those terrific shots from the blue line). I will end it this way... I really do enjoy watching these beautiful, smart, strong, dedicated and extremely talented women play hockey. GO NORWICH!!!!
 
Re: Norwich university cadets 2014-2015

womanplayhockey said:
Thank you for the kind welcome....I am not seeing consistency from game to game... Mistakes that are too obvious to overlook. I see those games and I'm frustrated...(I can only imagine how the players and coaches feel)
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There was an newspaper article on Coach Leclerc that I posted here a few weeks ago but to answer your question on how the coaching staff feels and thinks, here is part of it...

“It is completely different and unique in that it’s based so much on emotion, yet it’s more cerebral than the ‘run-and-gun’ men’s game,” she said. “As a coach, I want to help them capture the essence of that. Women can truly be a team. Your mental state is key. It’s not just whether the other team can shoot the puck better.” - Sophie Leclerc

So "capturing the essence" is no easy feat!! Now, being that the bulk of the players are freshmen, it's probably the first time they have been away from home and on their own for an extended period of time, so getting them to "FOCUS" (as the NU commercial goes ;) ) takes time.

Did any of you notice the line changes, I believe at the start of the 3rd period, where the coaching staff moved Bellio up with Anderson and Shuchuk? (I seem to remember our PBP man Tanner Acebo mentioning it) Well, she got a nice feed from Anderson and boom, scored with a real nice wrister from the slot. Now that was focus!

So, no worries womanplayhockey, all is well. In fact, the extended road trips ahead will contribute to the teams bonding and should be in good shape going into the playoffs.
 
Re: Norwich university cadets 2014-2015

NU FAN said:
There was an newspaper article on Coach Leclerc that I posted here a few weeks ago but to answer your question on how the coaching staff feels and thinks, here is part of it...

“It is completely different and unique in that it’s based so much on emotion, yet it’s more cerebral than the ‘run-and-gun’ men’s game,” she said. “As a coach, I want to help them capture the essence of that. Women can truly be a team. Your mental state is key. It’s not just whether the other team can shoot the puck better.” - Sophie Leclerc

So "capturing the essence" is no easy feat!! Now, being that the bulk of the players are freshmen, it's probably the first time they have been away from home and on their own for an extended period of time, so getting them to "FOCUS" (as the NU commercial goes ;) ) takes time.

Did any of you notice the line changes, I believe at the start of the 3rd period, where the coaching staff moved Bellio up with Anderson and Shuchuk? (I seem to remember our PBP man Tanner Acebo mentioning it) Well, she got a nice feed from Anderson and boom, scored with a real nice wrister from the slot. Now that was focus!

So, no worries womanplayhockey, all is well. In fact, the extended road trips ahead will contribute to the teams bonding and should be in good shape going into the playoffs.
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I have to disagree with you that the reason for mistakes, inconsistency is because the team is loaded with freshman and it's their first time away from home for an extended period of time and that it takes time to "focus". Most of these freshman come from private schools where they have been away from home for at least 2 years some even for 4 years prior to attending NU.

These women have been playing hockey for a long time and should have the "focus" to play at this level. Yes, it will take time for some to adjust to the speed and physical play of Division III but I think that with the regular season winding down, there should be "focus" by now. I understand that young women may bring an emotional factor to the game, but I feel that women and men must have their head in the game when they put their skates on.

Line changes are a fact of the game as you said, "Line changes by the coaching staff are a frequent occurrence", but it is just my opinion that it doesn't make much sense to pair up players who can't hit an open player with a pass resulting in scoring opportunities lost. Lines have to mesh well together. I don't think these lines changes are there yet.

Good teams always make that long pass to send in a goal scorer. I see to often women straddling the blue line because the pass is not made and someone with the puck skates it in to the offensive zone. What makes a good passer is the ability to sense where your teammates are going to be and get the puck to them while they are in full stride. I believe that is a fact of hockey and it should not only happen in the "run and gun" men's game. I have to disagree with that. The defense has to send the puck up, not skate it, with quick accurate passes and the offensive have to be able to accept these passes in stride. They need to beat the opposing team with speed and quick passes, tape to tape, in order to score.

Right now I don't see that in the line changes and yes I see they are still trying to work things out. But I believe that the focus should already be there. Well this is only my opinion. GO NORWICH!!!!
 
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Re: Norwich university cadets 2014-2015

womanplayhockey said:
I have to disagree with you...
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I respect your opinion and in fact agree! Problem is that it's hard to find an "all around" player that you describe and wish for. Now, if you are an 18 year old looking for a place to play hockey, I would like to sign you up and hope you can walk the talk. But the reality is that the player/team you long for are on TV once every four years, and at the moment are located north of our border, and their best player is french canadian, if that tells you anything.

Look, if there is anyone that's frustrated at times, it's me. My wife can attest to that as my hockey mouth can get away from me at times (:o) but all things considered, I still like where the program is at. The level of commitment from NU is 2nd to none, and we are fortunate to have the coaching staff as they belong at D1 but chose a quality of life over bigger money.

But again, thanks for your opinion! :)
 
Re: Norwich university cadets 2014-2015

No problem..I have plenty of opinions (Not all correct...LOL) I agree..some ups and downs, but hopefully they walk away from each game with a smile on their face because
they left nothing on the ice...GO NORWICH!!!
 
Re: Norwich university cadets 2014-2015

NU FAN said:
Here is a follow up story on Liz Gemmiti, who as you may recall, was hit by a car in December of 2013. What do you think?

http://www.wcax.com/story/28102887/vt-driver-sentenced-in-accident-involving-norwich-hockey-player
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Happy for this kid and the team having her back. Like what the Coaching staff is doing with her as far as putting her up at forward on the power play. Team is obviously struggling to score and she can shoot the puck.
 
Re: Norwich university cadets 2014-2015

Congrats to Coach Bolding, Anderson and Schwenzfeier for their ECAC awards, and for those who may of missed it, here is a quick link with the story...

http://www.norwichathletics.com/sports/wice/2014-15/releases/20150226tn0s9e

Like I've said in recent posts, I like the cadets chances going into the playoffs. With some big conference wins to round out the regular season, this team has good momentum that, barring injuries, sickness, and the like, should cruise to the NCAA quarter finals, which will probably end up in Elmira. But then again, when it comes to the playoffs, anything is possible. I guess we will have to wait and see how it all shakes out.

Be interesting to see who gets the nod between the pipes tomorrow. I'm willing to bet Robert will get the start. And considering UNE will have the case of the nerves, in it's first ECAC playoff game, I predict a 3-0 shutout for NU on home ice.

Good luck Ladies! :)
 
Re: Norwich university cadets 2014-2015

I think the new coach at Salve deserved the COY more. Norwich has so many advantages it's expected for them to finish first. For Salve to only lose 4 conference games shows what a great job she did in her first year. Two of those losses don't really count since they came vs Holy Cross and St. A. They had a heckuva second semester! Doesn't seem like a lot of thought went into the voting process. Shame.
 
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Re: Norwich university cadets 2014-2015

shelfit said:
I think the new coach at Salve deserved the COY more. Norwich has so many advantages it's expected for them to finish first. For Salve to only lose 4 conference games shows what a great job she did in her first year. Two of those losses don't really count since they came vs Holy Cross and St. A. They had a heckuva second semester! Doesn't seem like a lot of thought went into the voting process. Shame.
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Salve had a very good season and I thought their coach was going to win the COY. But Norwich having the season they still had, especially with as many freshmen as they had playing key roles is quite impressive. They lost 9 seniors from last year's squad and still went 15-0-2 in conference play. That's impressive.
 
Re: Norwich university cadets 2014-2015

You also had a team picked 11th in preseason that finished T3 with surprisingly almost no all-conference recognition. There were several legitimate choices for COTY and frankly they all probably deserve it in their own way.
 
Re: Norwich university cadets 2014-2015

Speaking of Norwich though.....Statistically it also looks like this was one of the more competitive seasons in this league in a long time. Norwich was young which led to a few small bumps in the road, lots of parity between 2-5 or 6, and even some of the lower end teams had good wins or put some real scares into some of the top teams. That competitiveness combined with the youth gaining experience for Norwich should bode well for them both down the stretch this year and certainly beyond.
 
Re: Norwich university cadets 2014-2015

WIrinkrat said:
Speaking of Norwich though.....Statistically it also looks like this was one of the more competitive seasons in this league in a long time.
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Absolutely. Thats what I've been saying. The growing competitiveness of the league speaks volumes of the fact womens hockey is maturing. 20 years ago you had a sprinkle of girls playing on boys teams.

With respect to COTY award going to Bolding, I gotta go with Prez's argument. Let's face it, this years young NU squad could of gone either way and somehow the coaching staff pulled one out of the hat. At the end of the day, your win/loss record speaks for itself, hence somewhat of a no brainer. But like I said, this is play off season. I'd love to see a Salve/NU final next weekend!
 
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